Trump Reveals, Rejects Iranian Offer to Open Hormuz Strait

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that Iran had presented an offer to open the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, an offer he rejected. Trump told reporters that Iran desires the opening of the strait because "they are dying right now" due to a lack of funds. He stated that the U.S. has "complete control" over the vital waterway, through which "tremendous amounts of oil" pass, noting that 29 ships safely exited the strait the previous night.

Trump's remarks came amid reports that he was preparing for a potential escalation of attacks on Iran following the U.S. midterm elections in November. Simultaneously, the U.S. has been escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif countered Trump's statements, claiming Iran had submitted a plan to Washington for opening the strait within seven days of U.S. approval. Zarif asserted that the conditions for this plan are already outlined in an existing memorandum of understanding between the two nations. He also dismissed claims of Iran nearing nuclear weapons capability as a "big lie" originating from Israel in 2003.

Zarif accused Israel and the United States of deteriorating security in the region, stating that the strait was open for traffic until the end of February. He argued that it is unreasonable to expect security and freedom of navigation to return automatically after military strikes, threats of destruction, and naval blockades.

These exchanges occurred against the backdrop of indirect talks held in New York this week, facilitated by Qatari mediators.