US President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran’s latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “unacceptable.”
Iran’s top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, announced earlier this week that Tehran had submitted a new offer to the United States that would see the critical waterway reopened and negotiations between the two countries resume, in exchange for the United States meeting several long-standing demands.
Iran’s foreign minister did not elaborate on the exact terms, but said they were “nothing more” than what was included in the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, which was signed in June but collapsed soon after due to renewed fighting.
This initial agreement included provisions on sanctions relief; the release of frozen assets; and a cessation of military operations, including in Lebanon.
But Trump threw cold water on the latest Iranian proposal on Saturday. “I reject their proposal,” Trump said when asked by reporters what he thought of the Iranian plan.
“They want to make a deal to open the strait immediately because they are losing a lot,” he added. “They want to make a deal, and I think that’s good. I also like to make a deal, but this deal would not be acceptable.”
The proposal would have started “as soon as the United States agrees to this plan,” Araghchi said Friday.
“If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and normal sea passage restored within seven days. The choice now rests with the United States,” Araghchi told reporters during a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly this week.
“You cannot bomb a country, threaten its annihilation, impose a maritime blockade and coercive measures, and expect an automatic restoration of security and navigation,” Araghchi added.
In response to Araghchi’s comments, a White House official previously told CNN that they were having “positive and constructive discussions through the mediators.”
“The United States is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz, so we are in no hurry,” the official said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a similar tone earlier this week, saying: “If there is going to be a deal with Iran… it’s going to involve a lot of hard work over a period of time.” »
The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, reported Friday that Trump told his staff that a new bombing campaign was likely after the upcoming midterm elections. Officials reportedly said Trump’s views could change in the coming weeks.
CNN has contacted the White House for comment on the report.
This story has been updated with additional details.
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