US, Iran back in talks after Trump rejects ceasefire

US and Iranian officials have resumed separate talks with mediators on Monday, marking a renewed effort to end the seven-month war, according to sources from both nations. Further discussions are anticipated to concentrate on an amended seven-day proposal presented by Iran to the United Nations General Assembly last week, a Reuters source with knowledge of the negotiations disclosed.

The ongoing conflict erupted in late February, with US and Israeli strikes on Iran resulting in thousands of casualties and causing economic disruptions, particularly affecting waterways used for oil transportation. Prior to this, the US and Iran had previously agreed to ceasefires in mediated peace talks in April and June, both of which were short-lived.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who continued to be in New York after the General Assembly, expressed Iran's anticipation of receiving a US response to the latest ceasefire proposals and Iran's conditions for reinstating maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the state news agency IRNA. Araqchi stated that if the Americans claim their aim is to achieve an agreement or peaceful solution, Iran has already offered that solution.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump spoke with reporters at the White House on Monday, without providing additional specifics, but he had previously indicated his intention to engage in further talks this week. Trump dismissed Iran's proposal, asserting that Iran sought rapid agreement due to the severe economic pressure it was facing.

However, he also told Axios on Sunday that he expected US negotiators to continue engaging in talks during the upcoming week.

Araqchi emphasized that the mediators had not formally conveyed a US rejection of Iran's proposal and that Iran was awaiting Washington's definitive stance before deciding on the subsequent course of action. He reiterated that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are clear, and the resumption of such passage would hinge on these conditions being met. Araqchi emphasized that only a negotiated solution could resolve the impasse between the two nations.