The ongoing war between the United States and Iran could escalate once more, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that the US may resume strikes on Iran after the November US midterm elections conclude. The report, citing US officials, said President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day ceasefire plan proposed by Iran.
Iran has yet to officially respond to this development and is awaiting a formal reply from Washington. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking in New York on Friday, said Iran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume normal shipping traffic through it, provided the US agrees to certain conditions.
Iran has demanded that the US lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and observe a ceasefire covering Lebanon and other regions. Iran said that if these conditions are met, it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume nuclear talks with the US. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global oil and gas transport, and disruptions to traffic through it have been affecting oil prices and energy supply worldwide, which has fuelled international interest in Iran’s proposal.
However, the Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has turned down Iran’s proposal, with US officials saying he is skeptical that Iran would fully meet his demands. The report also said Trump has told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran once the November midterm elections conclude, while publicly suggesting Iran will seek a deal after the vote.
Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had signed a 14-point agreement on June 17, which included an immediate halt to military action, a ceasefire in Lebanon as well, and negotiations toward a final agreement within 60 days. However, on July 8, Trump declared that agreement no longer in effect, and Iran suspended it a week later, accusing the US of violating its commitments.
Since then, Trump has repeatedly said he is in no hurry to reach a deal with Iran, reiterating at the recent UN General Assembly session that an agreement with Iran could be possible after the November elections. Iran, however, has been pushing to reach a deal before the elections, with Araghchi saying it would be far better to reach an agreement before the vote. Meanwhile, the White House said on Friday that US officials have been holding positive and constructive discussions with mediators, leaving it to be seen what final decision the US will ultimately take on Iran’s proposal.