Iran Awaits U.S. Answer as Report Says Trump Rejected Peace Proposal

Iran says its plan could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and pause regional fighting within seven days, but a report says President Trump is skeptical and expects renewed strikes after the midterms. Conflicting signals leave energy markets and Gulf governments watching for an official U.S. response.

A diplomatic offer meets conflicting signals

Iran is waiting for an official American response to a proposal that it says could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt regional fighting within seven days. The initiative was transmitted through Qatari mediators during the United Nations General Assembly. A U.S. official earlier described the indirect discussions as positive and constructive, but the Wall Street Journal reported that President Donald Trump had rejected the offer.

According to that report, Trump doubts that Iran would satisfy U.S. demands and believes renewed bombing may be likely after the November midterm elections. Washington has not publicly confirmed a final rejection. The difference between a private assessment and a formal answer matters because negotiators can still revise sequencing, verification, and the scope of initial steps before either government declares the process over.

The proposal connects shipping to wider conflict

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said acceptance would start a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait and pausing hostilities on multiple fronts, including Lebanon. In return, Tehran wants the United States to lift its blockade of Iranian ports, release frozen Iranian funds, and waive oil sanctions. Wider negotiations could follow on subjects accepted by both parties.

The nuclear issue remains a major obstacle. Trump has said Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials say Tehran is prepared to discuss its program but will not surrender what it considers its rights, including uranium enrichment or control of highly enriched material. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran does not seek war, while rejecting coercion and maintaining that the country has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons.

Saudi security is now tied to the talks

Araqchi briefed Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on understandings between Iran and Oman concerning safer shipping routes. At the same time, the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said it intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushait and two drones headed toward Riyadh. The Iran-aligned group has attacked Saudi cities, energy facilities, shipping, and Red Sea routes.

Those attacks increase pressure on the main alternative route for Gulf exports while traffic through Hormuz remains restricted. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey are coordinating under a new joint-defense agreement and have discussed intelligence sharing and integrated military responses. The buildup may strengthen deterrence, but it also creates more opportunities for an interception failure or disputed strike to widen the conflict.

Verification will determine whether seven days is realistic

A credible reopening would require more than a political announcement. Shipping companies and insurers will want evidence that vessels can pass safely, ports can operate, and any fee or inspection regime complies with international obligations. Governments would need to define which military actions pause, how violations are investigated, when sanctions relief begins, and whether concessions can be reversed without immediately returning to war.

The next indicators are an official U.S. response, changes in naval operations, and whether mediators keep both sides engaged. A limited maritime agreement would not settle nuclear disputes or end every regional confrontation. It could, however, reduce pressure on energy prices and create a test of compliance. Failure would leave the world facing blocked trade, continued Houthi attacks, and the prospect of a renewed U.S. bombing campaign after the election.