Trump Rejects Iranian Proposal for Strait of Hormuz Opening

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday that he rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at ceasing hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. "They submitted an offer, but I rejected it," Trump told reporters, indicating he has no intention of accepting Tehran's terms at this time. The rejection follows a seven-day framework proposed by Iran, which demanded significant concessions from the U.S. before the strait's reopening and before entering negotiations. These demands included easing sanctions on Iranian oil, releasing at least $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and lifting the U.S. naval blockade.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif presented this framework during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly. According to the plan, upon U.S. agreement, a seven-day ceasefire would commence, also encompassing the situation in Lebanon and the fighting in Yemen. Following this period, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, paving the way for broader negotiations with the U.S., including on its nuclear program.

However, Trump opted not to accept the offer. The Wall Street Journal reported prior to Trump's confirmation that the president had rejected the Iranian proposal and expressed skepticism in private discussions about Tehran's willingness to meet U.S. demands. The report also indicated that Trump suggested to his advisors that the U.S. might resume attacks on Iran after the November midterm elections, though this would likely not signify a full-scale war due to a desire to conserve U.S. ammunition.

For Israel, this rejection maintains the current U.S. pressure on the Iranian regime. Tehran's proposed framework would have provided significant economic relief, freed up billions in frozen assets, and eased pressure on its oil exports, all before comprehensive nuclear negotiations. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas passes, has been a key leverage point for Iran against the U.S. and the West, with disruptions impacting energy markets.

Trump's rejection comes days after he dedicated a significant portion of his UN General Assembly speech to confronting Iran, defending his policy of military and economic pressure to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He also directly addressed the midterm elections in his speech, suggesting Iran was waiting for their outcome, but stressed that his primary consideration was Iran's nuclear program, not politics, and warned Tehran of consequences if no agreement was reached.