Trump Rejects Iran's Seven-Day Ceasefire Proposal, Threatens Military Action

US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's proposal to end hostilities within seven days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The proposal entailed that the United States lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, unfreeze some Iranian assets, and lift sanctions on Iranian oil so that negotiations for lasting peace could resume.

The proposal was made through mediators, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that his country had shared a seven-day plan with the US this week. He stressed that if certain conditions are met, the critical waterway responsible for transporting 20% of the world's oil and LNG would be opened at the end of those days.

However, Trump appears to have different plans in mind, according to the WSJ report. Citing unnamed US officials, it suggests that the US president privately doubts Iran would meet his demands. Consequently, he has reportedly told his staff that another bombing campaign against Iran could be on the cards after the forthcoming elections.

The development comes amid ongoing tensions between the two countries, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stating in an interview with CBS News that Iran was willing to grant United Nations nuclear inspectors entry into the country as part of a potential peace deal. He also reiterated that Iran was not trying to develop a nuclear weapon.