United States President Donald Trump has reportedly ruled out an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week, according to unnamed US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. This rejection follows Iran's new roadmap for opening the strait, which is significant for global oil and natural gas shipping. The proposal was presented shortly after Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran during a speech at the UN General Assembly.
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that the proposal includes a roadmap for normal maritime passage within a week and requires the US to fulfill commitments made under the June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). These commitments involve releasing $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, and ending the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Araghchi indicated that hostilities, including those in Lebanon, must cease during this period.
He estimated that once the US conditions are met, which he believes would take four to five days, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened, and negotiations for a 'final deal' would commence on the seventh day. Araghchi emphasized that the choice lies with the United States, stating, 'Iran does not accept coercion, threats or intimidation.'
The US government has not publicly responded to the proposal. However, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump quickly ruled it out, expressing skepticism about Iran's willingness to meet US demands, which include preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and ensuring free passage in Hormuz. Iran has stated it will not discuss its nuclear program until its conditions are met, leading to a stalemate.
A US official informed Al Jazeera that Washington is not in a rush to respond to Iran's proposal and believes it is in a strong position regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Late on Friday, Trump shared a map on his Truth Social platform, labeling it 'Trump Strait.' He has previously claimed that the US has 'total control' over the waterway, a statement Iran has strongly denied.
Qatar has been acting as an intermediary, facilitating communication between the US and Iran. Both nations have indicated that they remain open to diplomacy. A US official noted that ongoing mediated talks are 'positive and constructive.' Qatar's foreign minister recently discussed de-escalation and conditions for renewed dialogue with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Earlier discussions between US officials and Iranian counterparts in New York were described by Trump as 'very good.' However, skepticism remains in Washington regarding the alignment of interests between the two countries. Thomas Warrick, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, expressed hope that the Iranian foreign minister's offer could lead to further discussions clarifying US preconditions.
According to the US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal, Trump has indicated to his aides that he anticipates resuming a bombing campaign against Iran after the midterm elections in November. This follows his remarks at the UN General Assembly about considering whether to 'annihilate' Iran if no deal is reached. Trump has also suggested that he believes a resolution to the conflict could emerge shortly after the elections.
Paul Musgrave, an associate professor of government at Georgetown University in Qatar, noted that Trump may not want to conclude the conflict on unfavorable terms. He suggested that the outcome of the midterms could influence Trump's policy direction. If the Republican Party faces significant losses, it could lead to unilateral actions, including a potential resumption of military action, which might escalate tensions before negotiations resume to avoid appearing to capitulate to Iran.