Iran Pushes Diplomacy After Trump Rejects Peace Plan

Iran reiterated on Sunday that only a diplomatic solution can end its conflict with the United States and Israel, one day after President Donald Trump rejected an Iranian proposal aimed in part at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran's conditions are clear and that any reopening of the strategic waterway depends on their fulfillment, emphasizing that only negotiation can resolve the current stalemate.

The Iranian plan, presented last week during the UN General Assembly in New York and conveyed to the U.S. via Qatari mediators, included a seven-day period before the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and a pause in regional confrontations. Trump publicly dismissed the proposal on Saturday, suggesting Tehran's move was driven by its military situation. However, mediators had not yet officially delivered a definitive response from Washington to Iran.

The dispute also involves Iran's nuclear program. A senior Iranian official asserted that Tehran will not relinquish its right to enrich uranium or agree to transfer its enriched uranium stockpiles abroad. Simultaneously, Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian expressed willingness to discuss the nuclear program and other issues with Washington, provided his country faces no "intimidation" or "coercion." He reiterated that Iran is not seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

The conflict and restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted energy flows and maritime trade for months. Tehran has also engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia regarding the situation in this crucial waterway, which handles a significant portion of global hydrocarbon exports.