Trump said to reject Iran's ceasefire proposal as conflicting signals persist over talks

President Donald Trump has reportedly declined to accept Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cease regional hostilities, according to the Wall Street Journal. Iran claims its plan was communicated to U.S. officials through Qatari mediators, but Trump reportedly harbors doubts that Iran will meet his demands, particularly ahead of the November midterm elections.

US officials quoted by the WSJ suggest a renewed bombing campaign may be imminent following the midterm elections. However, a separate US official previously described the talks with Iran through mediators as "positive and constructive." Trump has previously expressed support for the talks, which took place in New York earlier this week.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced at the UN on Friday that a deal would trigger a seven-day countdown to reopen the strait and a pause in regional fighting. He added that if the US were to agree to the terms, wider discussions on mutually agreed topics, potentially including Iran's nuclear program, could commence.

Despite Trump's stance against Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon, an Iranian official stated that Iran would not compromise on its nuclear program even if the US accepts the peace deal. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during an interview with CBS, affirmed Iran's readiness for talks on nuclear and other issues, but rejected the notion of being bullied or coerced.

Iran has indicated it would permit inspections by the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency once requested. The Iranian proposal includes halting hostilities, lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen funds, and waiving oil sanctions. Previous diplomatic efforts have not succeeded in ending the conflict, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes and has since involved Saudi Arabia in negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has retaliated by targeting various Arab states and Yemen, while its allies in Iraq and Lebanon have also been engaged in the conflict.