U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday he rejected Iran’s latest offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt fighting, calling the proposal unacceptable and saying he remained open to future negotiations.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s great,” Trump told reporters before leaving the White House. “I would also like to make a deal. But that deal is unacceptable.”
The comments marked a setback for diplomatic efforts to end the seven-month conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, which has roiled global energy markets and sharply reduced shipments through one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
newsweek The White House was contacted for comment Saturday morning.
Iran proposes deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iranian officials said this week they had put forward a proposal through mediators to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and restart talks on Tehran’s nuclear program.
In exchange, Iran sought a number of concessions from Washington, including relief from economic pressure and commitments related to the ongoing conflict.
Trump said he rejected the offer, noting that Iran was facing growing economic pressure.
“They want a deal immediately to open the Strait of Hormuz because they’re losing miserably,” Trump said.
Traffic on the waterway has dropped sharply since the conflict escalated earlier this year. The disruption affected global oil supplies and sparked economic concerns beyond the Middle East.
Iran pushes for new nuclear program talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday Tehran was ready to resume discussions on its nuclear program if a broader deal could be reached.
According to Iranian officials, the proposal would establish a seven-day pathway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reduce regional hostilities before resuming broader negotiations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also expressed support for diplomacy during his appearance at the United Nations General Assembly, while insisting that Tehran would not bow to pressure from Washington.
The proposal came after indirect contacts between U.S. and Iranian representatives during an annual gathering of world leaders in New York.
Trump threatens Iran at UN
Trump’s rejection came just days after he issued a stern warning to Iran’s leaders during a speech to the United Nations General Assembly.
In that speech, Trump said Tehran faced a choice: make a deal with the United States or risk what he called “destruction.”
The U.S. government believes military and economic pressure strengthens Washington’s negotiating position, and Trump described Tehran’s latest offer as evidence that the strategy is working.
Trump opens door to future Iran talks
Despite rejecting the latest offer, Trump said he would not rule out further diplomacy.
“They want to make a deal, and I think that’s great,” the president said. “I also like doing deals.”
The rejection came after U.S. and Iranian officials held indirect talks on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly this week. Iranian officials continue to say they are willing to negotiate, while the Trump administration continues to pressure Tehran with military and economic measures.
Trump also declined on Saturday to say whether the United States could resume military strikes after the November midterm elections.