Donald Trump speaks with reporters outside the White House, Washington, D.C., September 26, 2026 (Reuters)
UPDATES: US War on Iran, Day 212 — Houthis Fire Missiles on Saudi Arabia
Donald Trump has confirmed the Administration’s rejection of Iran’s proposal to renew talks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said on Saturday that the proposal is “unacceptable”, claiming Tehran wants it because “they are dying – the money isn’t coming in”.
He asserted, “They got themselves into a bind; we have established the greatest blockade in military history – it’s a wall of steel. And now they have no money because they wanted to close the Strait.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had seen Trump’s comment but had yet to receive an official US response through mediators. He said Iran will make a decision when this is received.
Araghchi told journalists on Friday that Tehran wants to return to talks on the basis of June’s Memorandum of Understanding. “The seven-day timeline will start as soon as the United States accepts this plan,” he said.
In return for the reopening of the Strait, the US would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and shipping. Discussions would return to the Memorandum — signed by Trump in June but soon pushed away by the Administration — over an end to all conflicts in the region; the removal of American sanctions; unfreezing of Iranian assets; and a resolution of issues around Iran’s nuclear program.
On day seven, the talks with the US will be started for the final deal on mutually agreed subjects. If there is seriousness on the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared.”
But US officials told the Wall Street Journal that renewed airstrikes are likely after November’s US mid-term elections.
Araqchi maintained Iran’s line, saying Tehran will not “back down” from its conditions.
