Trump rejects Iran's 7-day ceasefire offer, expects to resume bombing post midterms

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's seven-day ceasefire proposal, according to US officials cited by The Washington Post. Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks with the US as part of the proposed arrangement, with Washington lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports, easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and observing a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.

In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations on its nuclear programme. However, Trump privately remains skeptical that Iran would meet his demands and has told aides that renewed bombing is likely. The US administration has told Iran and regional mediators that the president has no intention of lifting the maritime blockade, believing continued economic pressure could eventually force Tehran to accept an agreement with terms favourable to the United States and Arab states along the Persian Gulf.

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