Trump Rejects Iran's Seven-Day Ceasefire Proposal, Plans Renewed Bombing After Midterms
President Trump has rejected Iran's proposal for a seven-day ceasefire that would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz and restarted nuclear negotiations. Trump told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after November's midterm elections, according to the Wall Street Journal.
The Proposal and Its Rejection
President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's conditional proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran having offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear talks within seven days if the U.S. meets conditions including ending what Tehran calls "acts of aggression." Trump told reporters as he left the White House on Saturday morning, "They made a proposal, but I rejected it."
Trump's Stance on Military Action
Trump rejected Iran's proposal and has told aides he views renewed U.S. bombing after the midterm elections as likely, according to the Wall Street Journal citing U.S. officials. Trump is skeptical about Iran's willingness to meet his demands, according to the WSJ, citing unidentified US officials. Trump reiterated in a social media post, "IRAN CAN NOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON!!!" and stated "The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon."
Ongoing Conflict and Regional Tensions
The move again stymies a resolution in the seven-month conflict, which has seen off-and-on negotiations between Tehran and Washington break down numerous times. Saudi-led coalition forces said they intercepted two Houthi drones headed toward Riyadh and two ballistic missiles aimed at the Khamis Mushait region.
Historical Context
On 21 April, US president Donald Trump extended a ceasefire indefinitely, but on 8 July, the ceasefire deal collapsed after attacks by both sides. The current rejection represents another setback in fragile efforts to reach lasting peace in the region.