Iranian minister says only negotiation can end conflict after Trump rejects Hormuz deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran will wait for an official U.S. rejection of a proposed deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, despite President Donald Trump’s public dismissal of the offer. Trump told reporters at the White House that Iran’s proposal was “not acceptable” and that Tehran wanted a seven‑day arrangement to allow commercial shipping because “they’re losing so badly.” Araghchi posted on Telegram that the United States had made contradictory statements in the past and that Iran would base its next move on a definitive response conveyed by mediators. He reiterated that the conditions for reopening the strait were those outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June between the two countries, and that Iran had raised the issue during negotiations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

The rejection has deepened the crisis over the strategically vital waterway, through which roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes, and has contributed to soaring global oil prices and higher fuel costs for consumers. Trump claimed the United States already has “total control” of the strait and accused Iran of seeking “half measures” and “illusory deals” to improve its image, a view echoed by U.S. ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that U.S. sanctions—dubbed “Operation Economic Outcast”—are tightening, with Turkey, Oman and the United Arab Emirates halting flights and banking transactions with Iran, though the ultimate impact depends on the response of major trading partners such as China, which has continued buying Iranian oil despite previous sanctions.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking to CBS from New York, stressed that distrust generated by the war must be overcome for dialogue to succeed and urged the United States to demonstrate it does not intend to overthrow the Iranian government. He accused Trump of “tore up” the MOU when the U.S. resumed bombing, questioning whether any resolution is possible without adherence to written agreements. Pezeshkian also addressed rumors about the health of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who was injured in the February strike that killed his father, stating the leader has been well enough for extended talks. Oman, acting as a mediator, called on all parties to maintain open dialogue to safeguard navigation, while the broader international community watches the escalating economic blockade and its uncertain efficacy.

⚡ Effects Interpreter