On Saturday, Trump characterised a proposal put forward by Tehran as unacceptable, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had earlier confirmed that his government transmitted an offer to Washington under which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened and bilateral negotiations would resume, contingent on the United States meeting a set of longstanding conditions.
The foreign minister provided no further detail on the precise terms, noting only that they aligned with what had been outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries, an agreement reached in June that subsequently broke down following a resumption of hostilities. The deal covered sanctions relief, the unfreezing of assets, and a halt to armed hostilities, with Lebanon among the areas affected.
On Saturday, Trump turned down Iran's latest proposal, stating to reporters that he had no interest in a deal in which Tehran would open the strait, a position he attributed to Iran's deteriorating standing in the negotiations. He added that the other party had expressed a willingness to reach an agreement, which he described as an acceptable outcome.
"I enjoy making deals as well, but this particular arrangement would be unacceptable," Araghchi noted via a Telegram post on Saturday, adding that while Iran had taken note of Trump's public remarks regarding the proposal, Tehran was withholding any formal decision until an official reply from Washington arrived through diplomatic intermediaries.
Araghchi stated that any resumption of access through the Strait of Hormuz would depend on Iran's terms being fulfilled, adding that those terms would not be abandoned. He had stated on Friday that the plan would take effect upon acceptance by the United States, adding that once the required conditions were in place, the strait could be reopened and normal maritime traffic restored within a week.
Araghchi told reporters on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York that the choice now rested with the United States, noting that a country facing aerial bombardment, existential threats, a naval blockade, and other forms of pressure could not be reasonably expected to unilaterally restore stability and open maritime access.
Responding to Araghchi's remarks, a White House official told a broadcaster that talks through intermediaries had been proceeding in a positive and constructive manner, adding that the administration felt no urgency given what it described as a favourable position regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio conveyed a comparable position earlier in the week, noting that any agreement with Iran would require considerable effort over an extended period. A television network, drawing on accounts from government officials, reported Friday that Trump had informed aides that renewed airstrikes were probable following the forthcoming midterm elections. According to those briefings, Trump's position on the matter may shift in the weeks ahead.
