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Iran is awaiting an official response from the United States to its proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on September 25.
According to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. President Donald Trump has rejected Tehran’s proposal and told aides he expects U.S. bombing of Iran to resume after the November midterm elections. The report cited U.S. officials. Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the WSJ report.
Araghchi said Iran had transmitted its proposal to Washington through Qatari intermediaries. Under the plan, an agreement would begin a seven-day countdown leading to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to fighting across the region.
“If the American side is serious about reaching an agreement and opening the Strait of Hormuz, everything is ready,” Araghchi said.
What Iran is proposing
According to Iranian officials and international media reports, Tehran’s proposal would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen within seven days and restart broader negotiations, including discussions on Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran has conditioned the plan on several steps by Washington, including lifting the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports and unfreezing Iranian assets.
Araghchi said that if Washington accepts the proposal, the sides could move to broader negotiations on issues that remain unresolved.
Washington signals skepticism
U.S. officials have described contacts with Iran through intermediaries as “positive and constructive,” but Trump has privately expressed doubts that Tehran would meet his demands, according to the WSJ.
The report said Trump expects the U.S. military campaign against Iran to resume after the November midterm elections. The WSJ also reported that Trump believes Iran will eventually have to agree to restrictions on its nuclear program.
Reuters separately reported that Trump had publicly expressed confidence that a diplomatic agreement with Iran could be reached after the U.S. elections, while showing little interest in immediately restarting formal negotiations.
Strait of Hormuz remains central
The diplomatic efforts have taken on particular importance because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Its disruption has affected global energy markets and increased pressure on countries dependent on maritime energy imports.
Iran’s proposal was transmitted to the United States through intermediaries during the UN General Assembly in New York. Tehran has presented the reopening of the strait as part of a broader package tied to a cessation of hostilities and renewed nuclear talks.
For now, Iran says it is waiting for Washington’s formal response, while reports from U.S. officials indicate that the Trump administration remains skeptical about accepting Tehran’s terms.
