Iran insists on diplomacy after Trump rejects Strait of Hormuz plan

Diplomatic Standoff and the Strait of Hormuz Proposal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on social media that Tehran’s conditions remain clear and that any movement toward reopening the vital waterway depends on those terms being met. Based on details shared by Reuters, Mr Araqchi informed journalists at the United Nations that the suggested arrangement would initiate a seven-day timeline to clear the strait alongside a temporary halt to hostilities in the region.

If there is seriousness on the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared, Mr Araqchi said, adding that wider talks on mutually agreed subjects could follow if the US agreed.

The peace proposal was announced earlier in the week at the UN General Assembly in New York and transmitted to the US through Qatari mediators. However, Mr Trump told reporters at the White House that he rejected the plan, arguing that Tehran’s push for an agreement stems from desperation.

They want to make a deal to open the Hormuz Strait immediately because they’re losing so badly, Mr Trump said.

Despite the public statements from Washington, Mr Araqchi noted that mediators have not officially relayed a US rejection of the plan. We are waiting for the mediators to convey the definitive views to us, and we will make a decision based on them, the Iranian foreign minister posted. The Wall Street Journal first reported the rejection, citing unnamed US officials who indicated that Mr Trump remains skeptical and sees a renewed bombing campaign as likely after the November US midterm elections.

Nuclear Stance and Regional Conflict Impacts

While the proposed diplomatic framework could open the door to discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would show no flexibility on the issue even if the US accepted the peace deal. The official stated that Iran would grant no concessions concerning its rights to enrich uranium or ship highly enriched uranium out of the country.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the CBS show Face the Nation that Tehran is ready for talks on its nuclear program and other issues, provided there is no bullying or coercion. Mr Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran is not seeking war, but will defend itself against pressure, threats and attacks, noting that the nation has already agreed that it is not supposed to develop nuclear weapons.

The seven-month conflict, which began with US and Israeli attacks on February 28, has severely disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and taken a toll on the global economy. The US has maintained an economic blockade on Iran to pressure Tehran into stopping attacks on vessels in the shipping lane, which have drastically reduced regional shipping traffic. In response to the conflict, Iran has engaged Saudi rivals regarding the strait and extended regional hostilities by striking US allies in the Gulf with drones and missiles, while Houthi allies in Yemen have targeted Saudi interests.