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Trump rejects 7-day Iranian ceasefire offer: WSJ reports
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- Trump rejected Iran's 7-day ceasefire offer, privately planning to resume air strikes after the US midterms.
- Washington refused to lift its naval blockade, using economic pressure to force further Iranian concessions.
- Indirect negotiations proceed via Qatar, though US progress securing tanker transit through Hormuz reduced White House urgency for a deal.
US President Donald Trump has rejected a proposed seven-day ceasefire offer submitted by Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing US officials.
According to the officials, US President Trump expressed skepticism during private sessions regarding Iran's willingness to meet his demands.
Trump told aides that he expects the bombing of Iran to resume following the upcoming US midterm elections.
US maintains naval blockade
The Wall Street Journal reported that the United States has informed Iranian representatives and third-party mediators that Trump does not intend to lift the ongoing naval blockade.
US officials assess that sustained economic pressure will ultimately force Tehran to sign an agreement.
Concurrently, American efforts to secure tanker transit through the strategic Strait of Hormuz have diminished the immediate urgency for Washington to finalize a deal with Tehran.
Indirect negotiations continue
Despite the rejection of the temporary ceasefire, Washington and Tehran remain engaged in indirect negotiations through third-party intermediaries, with discussions encompassing the nuclear file.
Officials noted that Trump’s stance could evolve as the war continues, adding that the trajectory of US policy may be influenced by the outcome of the midterm elections.
