Iran Seeks Ceasefire and Negotiations, Trump Rejects Offer

U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a peace proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the fighting, while U.S. officials say there is a possibility of renewed U.S. bombing of Iran after the November midterm elections. According to reports by Reuters and The Wall Street Journal, Iran conveyed its proposal to the United States through Qatar. The proposal included conditions such as ending the U.S. naval blockade in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, releasing some frozen Iranian assets, and easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the decision to reopen the Strait of Hormuz depends on Iran’s conditions being met and that the only way to resolve the current deadlock is through negotiations. He said mediators have not yet formally conveyed to Iran that the United States has rejected the proposal, and Tehran is therefore waiting to be informed of the mediators’ final position. According to Reuters, Iran presented the peace proposal last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Araghchi said that if the United States agrees, a seven-day process could begin to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt the regional fighting, after which the two sides could enter broader negotiations by mutual agreement.

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials, that Trump suspects Iran will agree to U.S. demands and has told his aides that there is a possibility of renewed bombing of Iran after the November midterm elections. However, officials said the U.S. president’s position could change while negotiations continue, and the nature of any renewed attacks remains unclear. Iranian officials have given no indication of flexibility over the country’s nuclear program. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that even if the United States accepts the peace proposal, Iran would not compromise on its rights, including uranium enrichment or sending enriched uranium out of the country.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is prepared to negotiate on its nuclear program and other issues, but will not accept pressure or threats. He said Iran does not want war but will defend itself against pressure, threats, and attacks. According to Reuters, oil shipments have been disrupted during the war that began on February 28, causing damage to the global economy, while tensions in the region have escalated and operations by Iran and its allies have continued.