President Trump rejected a proposal from Iranian officials for a seven-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated on Sunday, September 27, 2026, that the administration declined the offer because Iran requested immediate relief from sanctions.
The proposal follows months of military hostilities. The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, leading to Iranian closures of the Strait of Hormuz. In June, both nations agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to halt fighting and restart talks, but that agreement collapsed due to disputes over the control of the strait and vague language in the document.
U.S. officials reported that the new Iranian proposal called for the U.S. to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and provide relief from "Operation Economic Fury" and U.N. snapback sanctions. In exchange, Iran offered to reopen the strait within seven days and permit U.N. nuclear inspectors to enter the country. President Trump told reporters on Saturday, September 26, 2026, that the terms were not acceptable, stating that Iranian officials were "losing so badly" and sought to open the strait immediately.
U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal that President Trump expects to resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections. While the president stated he would not let the election influence his decisions, the reported timeline suggests a potential escalation in military activity in late 2026.
By rejecting the deal, the U.S. maintains its policy of "Operation Economic Fury." The administration stated it is not confident the Iranians are negotiating in good faith to end their nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran is "fully prepared" for war to resume if strikes are authorized following the elections. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has indicated that Iran will abide by its commitments only if the U.S. demonstrates it does not intend to overthrow the Iranian administration.