US President Donald Trump has reportedly rejected Iran's proposal for a seven-day ceasefire, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that he has told aides he expects US bombing of Iran to resume after the November midterm elections.
The reported development comes after Iran proposed a seven-day plan aimed at ending the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting comprehensive negotiations over its nuclear programme.
According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had conveyed the proposal to the US through intermediaries. Under the plan, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened at the end of the seven-day period if certain conditions were met, followed by the resumption of negotiations.
Araghchi said the proposal was similar to a memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Iran in June. He also said it would be preferable for an agreement to be reached before the US midterm elections.
Trump had earlier addressed the Iran conflict during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. He said he believed a deal could be reached after the election while warning of further military action if an agreement was not achieved.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, has blamed the US for the failure to implement the earlier settlement and said Tehran remains prepared for dialogue.
The latest reported rejection of the ceasefire proposal comes as diplomatic efforts continue through intermediaries. The exact scale or timing of any potential renewed US military strikes remains uncertain, and the reported position could change in the coming weeks.
The developments have also kept the Strait of Hormuz in focus, as the strategic waterway is crucial for global oil and gas shipments. Recent uncertainty surrounding the conflict has contributed to volatility in energy markets.
