Iran Urges Diplomatic Resolution Following Trump’s Rejection of Ceasefire Proposal

WASHINGTON/UNITED NATIONS/CAIRO, Sept 27 (Reuters) – Iran reiterated its commitment to a diplomatic solution for resolving its dispute with the United States and Israel after US President Donald Trump dismissed an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalate regional tensions.

**Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi** emphasized on social media, “Our conditions are clear: any step toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz depends on these terms being met. Only a negotiated settlement can break this stalemate.” Iran presented its proposal to the UN General Assembly this week, allegedly delivering it to US representatives via Qatari intermediaries. While Trump publicly rejected the plan on Saturday, characterizing it as a sign of Iranian desperation, Araqchi noted that US-Iran mediators have yet to formally convey a definitive response, adding, “We await formal communication and will act accordingly.”**

The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted energy transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping corridor. The US has imposed economic sanctions on Iran to pressure it to halt military actions targeting vessels in the strait, despite Trump’s assertions of American dominance in the waters. According to **The Wall Street Journal**, Trump privately doubts Iran’s willingness to comply with US demands and anticipates renewed military operations following November’s midterm elections, citing unnamed officials familiar with internal discussions.

Mediators have previously described US-Iran dialogue as “constructive,” though no official US position on the proposal has been relayed. Iran’s offer includes a seven-day countdown mechanism to resume strait traffic and temporarily halt regional hostilities, with potential follow-up negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. However, US demands remain non-negotiable, with Trump insisting Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons—a stance Iranian officials reject, stating no concessions will be made on uranium enrichment or export. President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a **CBS “Face the Nation”** interview, affirmed Iran’s readiness for nuclear talks only without “bullying or coercion,” stressing its commitment to non-proliferation while defending against aggression.

The conflict, initiated on Feb. 28 through US and Israeli strikes, has cycled between pauses and renewed confrontations, resulting in thousands of deaths and economic strain. Iran has retaliated through proxy forces, including Houthi attacks on Saudi targets and Gulf-based strikes on US allies. Diplomatic efforts previously faltering have struggled amid mutual distrust and escalating regional tensions. **(Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Michelle Conlin; Editing by Sergio M. Non and Chizu Nomiyama)**

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