Trump Reveals, Rejects Iranian Offer to Open Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had received and rejected an Iranian proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Trump told reporters that Iran's desire to open the vital waterway stems from their current dire economic situation, stating, "They are dying right now." He added that the U.S. maintains full control over the strait and has been safely escorting vessels through it, with 29 ships successfully passing through in the last night alone.

The announcement follows a Wall Street Journal report suggesting Trump was preparing for potential renewed strikes on Iran after the upcoming November midterm elections. Iran's Foreign Minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, countered by claiming his country had presented Washington with a structured plan to open the strait seven days after U.S. approval. Zarif asserted that the necessary conditions for this plan are already outlined in existing agreements between the two nations.

Regarding the nuclear issue, Zarif dismissed claims of Iran nearing nuclear weapons capability as a "big lie" originating from Israel in 2003 and perpetuated by the U.S. and European countries. He emphasized that Iran would not relinquish its sovereign rights under pressure and accused the U.S. and Israel of deteriorating security in the region. Zarif argued that imposing sanctions and threats of destruction should not be expected to automatically restore security and freedom of navigation.

Trump elaborated on his decision, explaining that Iran sought a deal to immediately open the strait because they are "losing big." He reiterated that the U.S. is "winning enormously" and has complete control, facilitating the passage of significant oil shipments. While open to negotiations, Trump expressed uncertainty about the acceptability of the Iranian proposal, which he characterized as an attempt to solve their financial woes by closing the strait, only to be met with U.S. sanctions that have crippled their economy.