Iran Responds to Trump's Rejection, Insists on Talks Amid Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has not abandoned its proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, despite a public rejection by U.S. President Donald Trump. Araghchi indicated that negotiations are the only path to resolving the current impasse, emphasizing that any steps toward opening the Strait are contingent on Iran's conditions being met. He noted that Iran has not yet received official notification from mediators about Washington's final rejection of the plan and is awaiting this confirmation before making a decision. Trump had previously announced his rejection of Iran's offer to open the Strait of Hormuz and cease hostilities, telling reporters that Iran's proposals no longer interested him because they were desperate to make a deal due to significant losses.

Iran presented its plan last week during the UN General Assembly in New York, submitting it to Washington via Qatari mediators. The proposal involved phased mutual steps, including a seven-day countdown to opening the Strait and suspending military actions in the region, followed by broader negotiations that could encompass Iran's nuclear program. However, Iran also signaled that it would not compromise on key issues, with a senior official telling Reuters that even if the peace proposal were accepted, Iran would not abandon uranium enrichment or remove its stockpiled enriched uranium.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, in an interview with CBS, expressed readiness to discuss the nuclear program and other issues but rejected "pressure or coercion," stating Iran seeks no war but will defend itself against threats. The tone from Tehran hardened further on Sunday, September 27, with the IRGC-affiliated Fars news agency reporting Iran's intent to resist U.S. and Israeli pressure and protect its "rights and interests." Simultaneously, Iranian military officials spoke of the possibility of a new U.S. strike, with the armed forces spokesperson declaring the military "fully ready" for combat and asserting that the U.S. and Israel had failed to destroy Iran's missile capabilities. Chief of Staff Amir Hatami added that the war is not over and Iran must remain prepared to strike adversaries, stating, "We have won, but we must preserve this victory."