US President Rejects Tehran Proposal to Unlock Strategic Waterway

UPDATE - follow-up to Iran suggests deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz in seven days; Trump rejects proposal: U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected a fresh Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the plan during a private gathering on September 24 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Under the proposed terms, Tehran offered to resume nuclear talks and unlock the vital waterway if Washington lifts its naval blockade, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observes a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. However, reports emerged within hours stating that the U.S. President rejected the offer. Officials familiar with the matter noted that the U.S. leader remains skeptical that Tehran will follow through and views a renewed bombing campaign as likely. On his Truth Social platform, the U.S. President shared an image of a map showing the strait circled and labelled Trump Strait. Trita Parsi, executive vice-president of the Quincy Institute think tank who attended the private gathering, stated that Mr. Araghchi suggested a fast agreement could help the U.S. leader ahead of November midterm elections. The plan closely mirrors a Memorandum of Understanding reached in June that featured a 60-day interim period before collapsing when Iran resumed attacks on shipping. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that officials would exchange ideas and messages if opportunities arise, while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently hosted the Prime Minister of Qatar, a key mediator in indirect talks.