Iran has reaffirmed its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s public rejection of the proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that any move toward reopening the waterway is contingent upon fulfilling Iran’s conditions, which include the cessation of hostilities in the Middle East and the fulfillment of the terms of a previous ceasefire agreement. The proposal, transmitted via Qatari mediators, was rejected by Trump, who claimed that Iran’s desperation was driving its push for an agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed to most international shipping, with Iran imposing a blockade on its ports as part of its strategy to pressure the U.S. into lifting its economic sanctions and ending its naval blockade. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority warned ships of the consequences of using unauthorized routes, citing risks to financial and human safety. Around a fifth of global oil demand passed through the strait before the conflict began, making its reopening a critical issue for global energy markets.

Trump’s rejection of the Iranian proposal was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed U.S. officials. However, no official communication from the U.S. has been conveyed to Iran through the mediators, according to Araghchi. He emphasized that Iran is waiting for the mediators to relay the U.S. position before making a final decision. The U.S. has imposed an economic blockade on Iran to pressure it into ceasing attacks on vessels in the strait, which have significantly reduced shipping through the area.

Iran’s seven-day plan, announced at the UN General Assembly, includes a pause in regional fighting and the possibility of broader talks on issues such as Iran’s nuclear program. However, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran would not show flexibility on its nuclear program, including the enrichment of uranium or the shipment of highly enriched uranium out of the country. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is ready for talks but would not accept bullying or coercion.

The conflict, which began on February 28, has seen alternating pauses and renewed strikes, with both sides extending the war into the region. Iran has targeted U.S. allies in the Gulf with drones and missiles, while its Houthi allies in Yemen have attacked Saudi interests. Hossein Mohebi, a spokesman for Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, said Iran would continue punishing the U.S. until its seven conditions are met. The Saudi-led coalition intercepted two ballistic missiles and two drones launched by the Houthis toward the kingdom on September 26.

The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the war, reopening the strait, and launching talks on Iran’s nuclear program. However, the deal collapsed after Iran fired on commercial ships in Hormuz that it accused of deviating from its approved route. Iran requires ships to obtain authorization before passage, citing security and sovereignty concerns. Ships that refuse to comply are regularly targeted, while the U.S. sporadically bombs Iranian coastal areas in retaliation. The situation remains unresolved, with no clear indication of a path forward.