Trump rejects Iran’s 7-day plan to end war, expects bombing to resume post-midterms: Report

President Trump has privately dismissed Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and enter a ceasefire, and has discussed the possibility of resuming military strikes after November's midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing U.S. officials. The administration has not issued a public rejection of the plan, but Trump reiterated on social media his opposition to Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon. He also posted an image labeling the waterway the "Trump Strait."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters at the U.N. General Assembly that Tehran delivered a "concrete seven-day plan" to the United States through Qatar. Araghchi said the timeline would begin once the U.S. accepts the proposal and that, if U.S. conditions are satisfied, normal maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz could be restored within seven days. He added that some required steps were already reflected in a June memorandum of understanding between the two countries that had outlined a temporary ceasefire which later collapsed.

According to reporting cited by the Associated Press and referenced in the original accounts, Iran is seeking several concessions in return for reopening the strait and resuming talks on its nuclear program. Those demands include an end to a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, waivers on sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales, and a ceasefire extending to Lebanon. Araghchi said the decision to reopen the strait "now rests with the United States."

U.S. officials told the Wall Street Journal the president is skeptical that Iran would honor the terms of such a deal, a factor that prompted his private rejection and consideration of renewed military options after the midterm elections. The developments come as the Strait of Hormuz remains a strategic chokepoint for energy shipments, carrying roughly 20% of global oil supplies, and as diplomatic and military calculations continue to shape responses from both Tehran and Washington.