Hormuz Remains the Obstacle in US–Iran Talks After Trump’s Rejection

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending fighting in the region, Reuters reported.

The Iranian proposal, presented during the UN General Assembly in New York and conveyed to the US through Qatari mediators, foresaw reopening the strait within seven days and resuming broader negotiations, including the nuclear issue.

In return, Iran asked the US to ease military pressure, lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports, allow the release of some frozen Iranian assets and ease sanctions on oil exports.

Trump rejected the proposal and said the Iranians were seeking a deal to open Hormuz “immediately” because, according to him, they were under pressure.

However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said yesterday that Tehran had heard Trump’s public reaction, but has still not received an official and final US response through the mediators.

According to him, Iran will decide on further steps once it receives this response.

Araghchi reiterated that any step toward reopening the strait remains conditioned on meeting Iran’s demands, while saying Tehran continues to support a negotiated solution.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the main sea routes for oil and gas transport, and the conflict in the region has caused significant disruption to ship traffic and energy flows.