Trump rejects Iran proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz and restart talks

President Donald Trump has again rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear negotiations, as regional tensions escalate with new diplomatic overtures and military posturing. The latest development comes amid calls for restraint from Omani and Saudi leaders, while the U.S. continues to pressure Iran through economic and military means.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi urged “self-restraint” at the United Nations, emphasizing Muscat’s willingness to mediate the conflict. “We call upon all parties concerned to settle their outstanding disputes through pursuing a policy of self-restraint and foresight,” Albusaidi said, adding that Oman remains committed to safeguarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The statement highlights growing international concern over the strategic waterway, which has been effectively closed since February due to the U.S.-Iran blockade.

Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally, warned the U.N. that attempts to block Middle East waterways threaten global energy security. Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan demanded the international community address the “absence” of action to protect freedom of navigation, calling for the return of pre-February conditions in the Strait. “The kingdom rejects any party’s use of these vital passages as a tool for pressure, threat, or harm to the interests of states,” he said, citing the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait by Iran-backed Houthi rebels as a critical challenge.

Trump’s rejection of the seven-day plan was reiterated during a visit to Tennessee, where he claimed “total control of the Hormuz Strait” and boasted about 29 vessels guided out of the area under military supervision. “We’re winning tremendously,” he told reporters, despite rising global oil prices and supply disruptions. The White House has not officially commented on the deal, though Trump posted “IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!!!” on Truth Social, reinforcing his administration’s stance against Iranian nuclear ambitions.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signaled readiness to assist in stabilizing the Gulf region, calling for “trust in the relationships between the Gulf states, the Arab states, and Iran.” While Lavrov did not specify how Russia would act, the statement underscores Moscow’s ongoing support for Tehran, including alleged coordination on satellite targeting of U.S. forces.

Regional conflicts continue to widen, with Israel’s military striking a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in southern Lebanon. The IDF cited the need to neutralize threats to its forces in the “Security Zone,” a contested area along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Meanwhile, the Houthis intensified attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a strike on Riyadh, marking a major escalation in the Yemen war. Saudi air defenses intercepted two drones and two ballistic missiles, but the Houthi leader Hezam Al-Assad warned of “full-scale escalation” ahead.

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, reiterated the country’s willingness to implement the seven-day ceasefire if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade, unfreezes $12 billion in assets, and halts hostilities. However, U.S. officials remain skeptical, with one describing the administration as “in a very strong position” over the Strait. The U.S. has not responded to Iran’s proposal, which was conveyed via diplomatic channels, and has shown no indication of lifting sanctions or unfreezing assets.

The conflict’s economic impact is deepening, with Brent crude trading at $104 a barrel despite recent volatility. The U.S. has sought to stabilize supplies by urging China to increase petroleum production, according to a White House fact sheet. President Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this week, though the two nations remain at odds over Iran-related issues. China’s Vice President Han Zheng emphasized respect for Gulf sovereignty at the U.N., contrasting with earlier U.S.-China cooperation.

Iraq has joined the U.S. in enforcing the ban on Iranian airlines, prompting Tehran to seek exemptions for humanitarian flights. The Iraqi government is holding direct talks with Washington to allow limited operations, which would resume services for Shia pilgrims, students, and medical travelers. Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council denied reports of plans to shut down Middle East airspace, stating non-military retaliatory measures are under consideration.

The U.S. Central Command reported that the Strait of Hormuz blockade has redirected 122 commercial vessels since July, with 40 million barrels of oil transiting the strait in 48 hours. Despite these figures, the blockade remains a focal point of negotiations, as Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, reiterated openness to diplomacy. “We don’t want it to get to the midterm elections,” Pezeshkian said, while also asserting that Iran would allow U.N. nuclear inspectors into the country as part of a potential long-term ceasefire.

The European Union has warned of a “price crisis” linked to the war, with energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen urging member states to limit demand. Pakistan’s prime minister condemned Houthi attacks on Mecca as a “red line,” while Yemen’s governing body called for a general mobilization against the Houthis. The conflict’s ripple effects continue to strain global trade and regional alliances, with no clear path to de-escalation in sight.

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