Trump turns down Iran's plan to reopen Hormuz and stop fighting

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States has refused Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt regional clashes. The rejection was announced at the White House and framed as a sign of Tehran's weakness, not goodwill. Iran had presented the plan earlier in the week during a United Nations gathering in New York, describing it as a seven‑day roadmap sent through Qatari mediators that would pause hostilities and restore traffic through the vital waterway. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States had not yet given a formal answer and that Iran would wait for a clear response before deciding its next steps. Trump argued that Iran is seeking a deal because its economy is under severe strain and the regime is running out of money. Mediators, however, have not confirmed any official US rejection, leaving Tehran awaiting “definitive views.” The proposal promised a week‑long cease‑fire, reopening of Hormuz and broader talks on mutually agreed issues. A senior Iranian official warned that Tehran would not compromise on its nuclear programme, including uranium enrichment, even if Washington accepted the peace framework. President Masoud Pezeshkian told a US TV show that Iran is open to talks but will not tolerate bullying, while also saying Qatar and Pakistan are carrying Iran's messages to the US. Regional tension continues: Israel launched artillery and air strikes in southern Lebanon despite a US‑brokered ceasefire, and Iran‑aligned Houthi rebels in Yemen keep targeting Saudi interests, prompting Riyadh to ask the UN to condemn the attacks. Iran’s armed forces chief Sardar Shekarchi warned that any US move into Hormuz would be met with a strong response. Iraq is negotiating with the US to lift sanctions on Iranian airlines that have disrupted flights to Najaf, a key destination for Iranian pilgrims and patients.