WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected a proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week in exchange for key American concessions.
Tehran had offered earlier in the week to restore vessel transits through the critical waterway and return to nuclear negotiations within seven days. In return, Iran demanded that Washington end its naval blockade of Iranian ports, lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and enforce a ceasefire extending into Lebanon.
Trump dismissed the terms, asserting that Tehran was attempting to negotiate from a position of severe weakness.
“They want to make a deal and I think that’s fine,” Trump told reporters outside the White House before departing for a college football game. “I’d like to make a deal, too. But that deal would not be acceptable.”
Iran virtually shut down the critical shipping lane following U.S. and Israeli military strikes on the country in late February, causing maritime traffic to plunge amid threats and strikes on vessels.
Meanwhile, semi-official Iranian media reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has departed New York for Tehran following the annual United Nations General Assembly.
During his address to world leaders, Pezeshkian countered Trump’s recent threats to “annihilate” the nation, while maintaining that Tehran remains open to diplomatic channels.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed Friday night that under Tehran’s plan, reopening the strait and resuming nuclear talks within seven days remained contingent on the U.S. meeting their conditions.
Pezeshkian also addressed questions regarding Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not made a public appearance since the military conflict began in February. Speaking to CBS, Pezeshkian—a physician—stated that Khamenei has “no specific ongoing health issues”.
According to a transcript released by CBS, Pezeshkian described a recent meeting with Khamenei that spanned more than seven hours.
“But, of course, he was healthy enough to be able to withstand those hours of that situation. From a medical standpoint, he’s completely healthy,” the president said.
Asked directly if the supreme leader’s face and legs had recovered, Pezeshkian replied, “Yes”. Khamenei’s father and other family members were killed on the first day of the conflict.
Ahead of rejecting Tehran’s proposal on Saturday, Trump posted an image to his Truth Social platform depicting the Strait of Hormuz rebranded as the “Trump Strait”—his latest move aimed at provoking the Iranian government.
The White House stated Friday that U.S. officials continue to participate in positive and constructive discussions with mediators regarding the war, following hours of indirect talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives earlier in the week.