U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the U.S. meets certain conditions. Iranian media outlets reported that the country's president has left New York after the United Nations gathering of world leaders, which included indirect talks with the United States. Saudi Arabia announced it intercepted another missile it attributes to Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.
Iran proposed to reopen the strait and resume talks on its nuclear program in seven days if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon. Trump rejected the proposal, stating that Iran wanted to make a deal because it was 'losing so badly.'
Trump told reporters outside the White House, 'They want to make a deal and I think that's fine. I'd like to make a deal, too. But that deal would not be acceptable.'
Iran effectively closed the strait after the U.S. and Israel attacked the Islamic Republic in late February, leading to a significant drop in the number of ships passing through due to Iranian threats and attacks on vessels in the waterway.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian left New York for Tehran after addressing the U.N. gathering, where he pushed back against Trump's threats to 'annihilate' Iran, while expressing openness to diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that under Tehran's proposal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen and nuclear talks would resume if the U.S. lifted its naval blockade and sanctions.
Pezeshkian also commented on Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's health, stating that Khamenei has 'no specific ongoing health issues' despite not being seen in public since the conflict began.
Saudi Arabia's military spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki, claimed that a ballistic missile launched by Houthi rebels was intercepted and destroyed, aimed at the city of Khamis Mushait. The Associated Press could not independently verify this claim.
The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the Houthi attacks as a 'grave escalation and threat to regional security,' urging international response. Iraq is in contact with the U.S. to secure exemptions from sanctions on Iranian airlines for humanitarian flights.
Before rejecting Iran's proposal, Trump posted an image on his Truth Social platform of the Strait of Hormuz labeled 'Trump Strait.' The White House stated that U.S. officials were having positive and constructive conversations with mediators regarding the Iran conflict.
Israeli settlers have intensified efforts to seize natural springs and heritage sites in the occupied West Bank, impacting water access for Palestinians. Rights groups say this reflects a broader effort to claim heritage sites, with ongoing water shortages faced by Palestinians since 1967.
This report will be updated as new developments emerge.