Trump Rejects Iran’s Hormuz Proposal but Signals More Talks With Tehran

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but has indicated that Washington expects further talks with Tehran as mediators continue efforts to narrow differences between the two sides.

In an interview with Axios, Trump said Iran wants a deal but that Tehran’s proposal was not acceptable to the United States. He said the offer was something Washington might have accepted a year ago, but that Iran had gone too far in its demands.

Iran recently presented a seven-day proposal under which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and nuclear negotiations resumed if the United States met a series of conditions.

According to the proposal, Iran sought the lifting of the US naval blockade, removal of sanctions affecting its oil exports and restoration of a regional ceasefire. The proposal was conveyed through indirect negotiations involving regional mediators.

Trump Expects Further Negotiations

Despite rejecting the Iranian proposal, Trump said he expects US negotiators to hold more talks with Iran during the week.

Qatar and other regional mediators have continued shuttle diplomacy between Washington and Tehran in an effort to narrow differences over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and Iran’s nuclear programme.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also said Tehran remains ready for a diplomatic solution. He said Iran was still waiting for an official US response through the mediators after Trump publicly rejected the proposal.

Hormuz Remains Central to Dispute

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the dispute because it is a major route for global energy shipments.

Iran has linked the reopening of the waterway to the lifting of US military and economic pressure, while Washington has continued to seek commitments from Tehran on nuclear issues.

The latest developments show that significant differences remain between the two sides, but continued indirect contacts through regional mediators leave open a channel for further diplomacy.