Iran offers seven-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz; Trump rejects it within hours
Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming talks on its nuclear programme within seven days, in exchange for the United States lifting its naval blockade, waiving sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observing a ceasefire that would include Lebanon. Tehran announced the offer on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Within hours of the announcement, however, The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. President Donald Trump had rejected the proposal, citing American officials familiar with the matter. The report said the President was sceptical that Tehran would meet his demands and saw a renewed bombing campaign as likely.
Mr. Trump also posted an image on his Truth Social platform showing a map with the Strait of Hormuz circled and labelled "Trump Strait."
Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, set out the proposal at a private gathering on Thursday, September 24, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to one attendee. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice-President of the Quincy Institute think tank, who was present, said Mr. Araghchi suggested that a speedy agreement would benefit Mr. Trump ahead of November's midterm elections.
There was no immediate comment from Iran's UN mission or from other Iranian officials.
The proposal closely resembles the so-called Memorandum of Understanding reached in June, but with a faster timetable. The earlier arrangement had provided for a 60-day interim period. It collapsed quickly after Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the strait.
Mr. Trump has said he is in no hurry to reach a deal, even as high oil prices push up inflation and add to cost-of-living pressures in the United States.
On the Iranian side, questions remain over whether the hard-liners who dominate the country's security forces will accept compromises championed by relative moderates such as President Masoud Pezeshkian.
"If Trump calculates this arrangement is worthwhile and can bring political benefit before the midterms and reduce gas prices, perhaps we'll see flexibility not seen in previous weeks," Mr. Parsi said. He also noted "deep suspicion," particularly over the prospect that Iran may simply be buying time to export more of its oil and ease its economic pain.
In a further sign of diplomatic movement, Mr. Pezeshkian hosted the Prime Minister of Qatar early on Friday. Qatar has served as a key mediator, including during hours of indirect Iranian-American talks at the United Nations this week.
It was not immediately clear how long Mr. Pezeshkian and Mr. Araghchi would remain in the United States after Mr. Pezeshkian addressed the annual UN gathering of world leaders on Wednesday, September 23.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that "if there's an opportunity to exchange ideas and messages, we will."
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway through which a substantial share of the world's seaborne oil passes. Any prolonged disruption there affects energy prices and shipping costs far beyond the region, making the standoff a matter of concern for governments and consumers worldwide.
Both sides have signalled that channels of communication remain open, but neither has indicated that a new agreement is imminent.
With inputs from AFP and AP.
