US-Iran war: Donald Trump rejects Tehran’s seven-day proposal to reopen Hormuz, expects renewed bombing | Today’s news
Hours after Iran proposed a seven-day truce plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) rejected the proposal and informed his aides that he expected the bombing to resume after a mid-term period planned for November 3.
Citing U.S. officials reporting on the development, the Wall Street Journal added that Trump is skeptical Tehran will meet his demands and has told his staff he expects a renewed bombing campaign.
What did American officials say about Trump’s rejection of the proposal?
According to officials, the US president’s current stance on war suggests that the phase of the conflict, the uncertain phase between war and peace, is likely to revert back to hostilities. But Trump, who declared victory against Iran in the early days of the seven-month conflict, has alternated between diplomacy, ordering strikes and announcing tougher sanctions against Iran. Officials believe his stance could change again as the war drags on and is likely to be influenced by mid-term results.
In addition, officials are unsure of the level of strikes the US president is considering. They added that it is reluctant to resume major operations, in part because Washington wants to keep its dwindling stockpile of ammunition for other contingencies. But Trump has announced plans to launch massive strikes to break a diplomatic deadlock in negotiations between the two sides. Although he sometimes acted on such threats, he stopped short of carrying out his most extreme warnings, including the threat to destroy all of Iranian civilization.
The shift in Trump’s stance comes as Iran proposed a seven-day truce that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key sticking point in negotiations between the two sides. The strait has been effectively closed since the start of the war in late February.
Iran proposes cease-fire: Here’s what the seven-day deal will contain
On Friday (local time), Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the country would open the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington agreed to Tehran’s ceasefire proposal. At the United Nations, Araghchi said: “Iran has communicated a specific seven-day plan to the United States through Qatar. If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and normal sea passage restored within seven days.” He added: “The choice now lies with the United States. Iran does not accept pressure, threats or intimidation, and Iran will not give up its sovereign rights under pressure.”
Araghchi went on to say, “I can tell you that if there is seriousness on the American side to reach an agreement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now ready.”
In addition, the proposal would also resume nuclear talks in exchange for Washington agreeing to lift the naval blockade of Iran’s ports, which has caused significant damage to the country’s economy. According to Trump, Tehran is openly seeking a mid-term deal to dismantle its nuclear program.
Tehran is also pushing for Washington to release some of its assets and lift sanctions on Iran’s oil exports.
US officials indicate positive negotiations with Iran through intermediaries
The seven-day ceasefire proposal was announced after US officials signaled positive and constructive talks with Iran through its mediators. Qatar and other regional mediators are reportedly working around the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to resume talks between the two sides. But Washington has informed Tehran and mediators that it has no intention of lifting the naval blockade, with officials saying economic pressure will eventually force Tehran to sign a deal favorable to Washington and its Arab allies in the region.
