"They made a proposal, but I rejected it," President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on 26/9, referring to Iran's recent plan for a ceasefire and the reopening of the Hormuz strait. He added that Iran wants an immediate agreement to reopen the Hormuz strait because "they are losing very badly".

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters at the White House on 26/9. Photo: AP

Following Trump's statement, Iranian officials today indicated that only diplomacy can resolve the conflict. "Our conditions are very clear, and any move towards reopening the Hormuz strait depends on meeting these conditions," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said.

Iran's plan calls for an end to all hostilities in the Middle East, including Lebanon, according to Foreign Minister Araghchi.

Araghchi emphasized that these conditions are similar to the content of a memorandum signed with the US in 6, which includes provisions for unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions, and ending the maritime blockade. On the 7th day of a ceasefire, Iran would reopen the Hormuz strait.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told CBS that "the process will begin the day they accept it," adding that the proposal was developed "in coordination" with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Location of Iran and the Hormuz strait. Graphic: Guardian

According to Araghchi, despite Trump's public statements, mediators assisting US-Iran negotiations have not conveyed US rejection of the plan. "We are waiting for the mediators to convey a definitive stance and will make a decision based on those views," the Iranian Foreign Minister stated.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) previously quoted unnamed US officials who said Trump had rejected Iran's proposal. The US newspaper added that President Trump is skeptical about Iran's ability to meet the demands and expects to resume airstrikes after the mid-term elections in 11.

Thanh Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)