President Donald Trump has reportedly ruled out an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week, according to unnamed US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal.
What was in Iran’s seven‑day proposal?
The Iranian roadmap called for restoring normal maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the plan required the United States to fulfill commitments made under the failed June 17 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, including releasing $12 billion in frozen assets, lifting oil sanctions and ending a naval blockade on Iranian ports. All hostilities, he added, must cease during the week—including any fighting in Lebanon, where Israel still occupies part of the south. Once the US conditions were met, estimated to take four or five days, the strait could reopen and negotiations on a “final deal” would begin on day seven. “The choice now rests with the United States,” Araghchi said. “Iran does not accept coercion, threats or intimidation.”
How has the US responded?
The US has not issued a public statement on the plan. The Wall Street Journal reported, however, that Trump quickly ruled it out, citing unnamed officials who said he was skeptical about Iran’s willingness or ability to meet US demands. Trump’s principal demands remain preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon and restoring free passage in Hormuz. A US official told Al Jazeera that Washington is not in a hurry to reply and views itself as holding a strong position regarding the strait. Late Friday, Trump posted a map labeling the waterway “Trump Strait” on his Truth Social platform, echoing earlier claims that the US has “total control” over the shipping lane—a claim Iran strongly denies.
Are peace negotiations still happening?
Indirect diplomacy continues, with Qatar serving as an intermediary. Both the United States and Iran have said the door to talks remains open, and a US official described ongoing mediated discussions as “positive and constructive.” Qatar’s foreign minister spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian about de‑escalation and the terms for renewed dialogue. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff held mediated meetings with Iranian counterparts in New York earlier this week, which Trump called “very good.” Nevertheless, analysts note deep skepticism in Washington about whether the two sides share common ground. “I think that the best we can hope for is that this offer… leads to further discussions to try to clarify what preconditions Washington is willing to work with,” said Thomas Warrick of the Atlantic Council.
Where does the US‑Iran standoff go from here?
Analysts warn the confrontation could move toward renewed hostilities. US officials cited by The Wall Street Journal said Trump expects to launch a new bombing campaign against Iran after the November midterm elections. That follows his threat at the United Nations to “annihilate” Iran and “drive them into hell” if a deal is not reached, while also expressing hope a settlement could follow shortly after the midterms. Political science professor Paul Musgrave of Georgetown University in Qatar noted that Trump “doesn’t want to end the war on unfavorable terms,” and that the election outcome could shape his policy. A Republican loss in Congress might push Trump toward unilateral actions, including a possible resumption of warfare. “That would also mean that Iran would have delivered a really stinging political blow to President Trump,” Musgrave added, suggesting a short‑term escalation could be followed by negotiations to avoid appearing to surrender.
