U.S. President Donald Trump said Saturday that he rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt fighting in the Middle East. Iranian officials said the plan, conveyed to Washington through Qatari mediators, could lead to the waterway reopening and a pause in hostilities within seven days.
Speaking to reporters before traveling to Tennessee, Trump said he had turned down the offer, while expressing general interest in reaching a deal. He characterized Iran as seeking an agreement because of economic pressure. A U.S. official had earlier described discussions conducted through intermediaries as positive and constructive.
The dispute centers on a shipping route critical to global oil supplies. Iran’s restrictions have sharply reduced traffic through the strait, while Washington has imposed an economic blockade aimed at persuading Tehran to lift its own blockade. The seven-month conflict has disrupted oil shipments and affected the wider global economy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that an agreement would start a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait and suspending regional fighting. He said broader negotiations could follow on subjects accepted by both sides. Iranian officials also discussed the waterway with Saudi Arabia, a regional rival affected by the conflict.
Iran’s nuclear program remains a potential obstacle. Trump has said Tehran must not acquire a nuclear weapon. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran would not compromise on uranium enrichment or remove its highly enriched uranium from the country. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was willing to hold talks without accepting coercion.
The war began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks. Pauses and renewed strikes have killed thousands and damaged Iran’s forces and economy. Iran has attacked U.S. allies in the Gulf, while Houthi forces in Yemen have targeted Saudi interests. Diplomatic efforts have not ended the fighting.