Trump Rejects Iran’s Conditional Ceasefire as Saudi Coalition Intercept Missiles

President Donald Trump has rejected a conditional ceasefire proposal from Iran, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal, while simultaneously preparing for a potential resurgence of airstrikes following the upcoming midterm elections. The diplomatic rejection coincides with renewed military activity in the region, as a Saudi-led coalition intercepted multiple projectiles launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented the proposal on Friday during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. He stated that Tehran was willing to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear negotiations with the United States within seven days, provided certain conditions were met. These demands included a halt to what Tehran describes as “acts of aggression,” an end to naval blockades and economic warfare, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

However, the Journal reported that Trump informed his aides he views the proposal as insufficient. Despite previously suggesting that the conflict, which began with joint US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, would conclude shortly after the November elections, Trump is reportedly skeptical that Iran will comply with American demands. Sources indicated that he expects a renewed bombing campaign to resume after the midterms.

The diplomatic standoff occurs against a backdrop of escalating attacks by Houthi forces against Saudi Arabia. Colonel Turki Al-Maliki, spokesman for the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, announced that coalition air defenses intercepted and destroyed two drones heading toward the capital, Riyadh. Additionally, two ballistic missiles aimed at the Khamis Mushait region near the southwestern city of Abha were shot down.

While direct combat between US and Iranian forces has decreased in recent weeks, Houthi operations against their neighbor and US ally have intensified. Officials noted that negotiations continue through mediators, with Washington maintaining its stance on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons capabilities.