Iran awaits US response as Trump said to reject ceasefire proposal, plot new strikes

Iran is awaiting a U.S. response to a plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the Middle East conflict, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. The proposal, which came through Qatari mediators, would result in a seven-day countdown to reopen the vital waterway and halt regional hostilities. Araqchi noted that an agreement could pave the way for further discussions between Washington and Tehran.

Iranian officials have made clear that they will not budge on nuclear rights, such as uranium enrichment or shipping highly enriched uranium abroad. The plan calls for the cessation of hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, while Washington would need to lift its blockade on Iranian ports, release frozen funds, and waive oil sanctions.

The U.S. has reportedly expressed skepticism about Iran's willingness to meet demands, believing renewed bombing is likely. The effort to resolve tensions comes seven months after U.S. and Israeli strikes initiated the ongoing conflict, disrupting oil flows through Hormuz and expanding the fighting to the wider region. Araqchi also discussed an understanding with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on safe shipping routes through Hormuz.

Tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran remain high, with Saudi-led forces intercepting Houthi drones and a ballistic missile headed toward Riyadh, as well as a missile targeting Khamis Mushait. The Houthis have targeted Saudi cities, energy infrastructure, and shipping since declaring a naval blockade against Riyadh in July, adding pressure on oil transportation and Hormuz's role in global energy flows.

Saudi Arabia has intensified regional defense coordination in response. Officials from Turkey and Pakistan also met in Riyadh to discuss intelligence sharing, military coordination, and force integration.