Middle-East: Iran proposes Hormuz plan, Donald Trump reportedly refuses

Iran has proposed a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway crucial to the world's oil supply, and end regional fighting. According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the plan, transmitted to the US through Qatari mediators, would trigger a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait and a pause in regional fighting. If the US agrees, wider talks on mutually agreed subjects, potentially including Iran's nuclear program, could follow.

The US response to the proposal is pending. Reports indicate that President Donald Trump has rejected the deal, with The Wall Street Journal citing unnamed US officials saying Trump is privately sceptical that Iran will meet his demands. Trump has reportedly told his staff that he sees a renewed bombing campaign as likely after the November US midterm elections.

Iran and the US have engaged in discussions through mediators, which a US official described as "positive and constructive". Trump himself praised talks with Iran held in New York earlier in the week. The conflict between the US and Iran has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and taken a toll on the global economy.

Brief written by urgent.news from France 24, Winnipeg Free Press, The National Business, SABC News, Channel News Asia — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.