Trump reportedly rejects Iranian ceasefire proposal as conflicting signals persist over talks

US President Donald Trump reportedly declined Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt the ongoing fighting in the region, according to a Wall Street Journal report. Iran had shared its plan with the US via Qatari mediators, but Trump, according to the WSJ, was privately doubtful Tehran would comply with his demands.

The WSJ cited unnamed US officials who said Trump believed a renewed bombing campaign might occur after the November midterm elections. However, a US official previously stated the talks with Iran through mediators were "positive and constructive." Trump had praised such discussions with Iran in New York earlier in the week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told UN reporters that the proposed deal would lead to a seven-day countdown for reopening the strait and a pause in regional fighting. If the US agreed to the deal, wider talks could include discussions on Iran's nuclear program. Trump has stated that Tehran will never develop a nuclear weapon, while an Iranian official said Iran would not budge on its nuclear program even with a US acceptance of the peace deal.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told CBS that Tehran was open to talks on its nuclear program and other issues, but would not accept bullying, coercion, or war. Iran has already agreed to not develop nuclear weapons and would allow UN inspectors, Pezeshkian added.