Trump Reportedly Rejects Iranian Ceasefire Proposal Amid Conflicting Diplomatic Signals

US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected Iran's proposals to end fighting in the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal. Iranian officials stated that their plan had been communicated to the US through Qatari mediators, but reports indicate that Mr Trump remained privately sceptical that Tehran would fulfill his demands.

Citing unnamed US officials, the WSJ noted that Mr Trump expressed belief that a renewed bombing campaign might follow the November midterm elections. However, earlier statements from a US official described discussions with Iran through mediators as positive and constructive, and Mr Trump himself had publicly praised talks with Iran in New York.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed reporters at the UN on Friday that the proposed agreement would initiate a seven-day countdown to reopen the strait alongside a pause in regional hostilities. "If there is seriousness on the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared," Mr Araghchi stated, adding that acceptance could lead to wider negotiations on mutually agreed subjects, potentially including Iran's nuclear programme.

While Mr Trump has insisted that Tehran will never acquire a nuclear weapon, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would remain inflexible on its nuclear programme regardless of whether the US accepts the peace deal. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told CBS that Tehran was prepared for talks on its nuclear programme and other matters, provided it faced no bullying or coercion, noting that Iran was not seeking war but would defend itself against pressure and threats.

Addressing international inspections, Mr Pezeshkian stated that access would be permitted if inspectors wished to return, stating that accords could be reached during negotiations. He also claimed that Iran was not attempting to develop a nuclear weapon, describing such development as religiously prohibited.

Detailing the latest proposals, Mr Araghchi said the plan would halt hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen funds, and waiving oil sanctions. Previous diplomatic efforts have failed to resolve the conflict, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks, severely impacting Iran's economy and conventional forces while disrupting global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

The conflict has continued to widen as Iran and its allies extended hostilities across the region, involving drone and missile attacks attributed to Iran and its Houthi and Hezbollah allies. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's defences have faced ongoing threats, with the Saudi-led coalition intercepting ballistic missiles and drones launched towards the kingdom by the Houthis, compounding global supply pressures on energy and shipping routes.