Iran has stated it is prepared to wait for a formal response from American negotiators following President Donald Trump’s rejection of a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within a week. The pivotal waterway, which typically handles roughly 20% of global oil and gas supplies, has been effectively closed since the outbreak of hostilities in February.
Speaking at the White House, Trump declared Tehran’s offer unacceptable, asserting that the United States already maintained “total control” of the strait and noting that “massive amounts of oil” were continuing to flow. He suggested that Iran was eager to strike a deal because it was “losing so badly” in the conflict.
In response, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the rejection in a Telegram post but accused the US president of issuing contradictory statements. Araghchi noted that while Trump had made several positive remarks, he frequently followed them with opposing comments. The foreign minister emphasized that Iran remains waiting for mediators to convey definitive views before making any further decisions.
Araghchi also pointed out that Iran’s conditions for reopening the strait mirrored those outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed between the two nations in June. During negotiations on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly earlier in the week, he indicated that an agreement was still possible if “necessary conditions are met.”
Trump’s decision received public support from Matthew Whitaker, the US ambassador to NATO, who told Fox News that Iran had presented only “half measures” and “illusory deals” designed to improve its image internationally. “President Trump’s right to reject it,” Whitaker said.
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the intensifying economic pressure on Tehran through his social media platform, X. He reported that Turkey, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates had suspended flights from various Iranian carriers, and that banks in the UAE and Turkey had halted transactions with Iran. The Trump administration has labeled this strategy “Operation Economic Outcast,” aiming to compel Tehran to cease attacks on vessels in the strategic channel.
Oman, acting as a mediator in the crisis, urged all parties to maintain open dialogue. Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi called on the UN General Debate for collective cooperation to protect navigation in the waterway.
Despite these measures, some economists have questioned whether the new sanctions will prove effective, noting that outcomes depend heavily on the stance of Iran’s primary trading partners. China, the largest purchaser of Iranian oil, has historically ignored previous US sanctions and continues to conduct business with Tehran.
Sanctions rarely work when China keeps buying oil regardless. Economic pressure alone won’t force a deal.
Oman is doing the heavy lifting as mediator while everyone else postures. Respect to their consistent diplomatic effort here.
Trump’s claim of total control seems bold when Iran still holds significant leverage over the flow. Curious how this ends.