Trump rejects Iran offer to reopen Strait of Hormuz over sanctions dispute

US President Donald Trump has rejected a proposal by Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, following a period of escalating maritime tensions. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, 26 September, Trump stated that while he is open to a deal, the specific terms presented by Tehran are "not acceptable." The Iranian Proposal Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed that the offer was coordinated directly with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. The proposal outlines a seven-day timeline to reopen the strategic waterway, provided Washington meets several conditions. These include lifting the current US naval blockade, releasing at least $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets, and easing sanctions to allow for increased oil exports. To address concerns over internal political divisions in Tehran, Pezeshkian told CBS that a six-member team—comprising representatives from the military, parliament, and government—has been granted full authority to negotiate and implement the terms. "If the US accepts it and fulfils its obligations, we will do the same," Pezeshkian stated. Sequencing and Leverage The primary diplomatic obstacle remains the sequence of actions. Washington views the naval blockade and economic sanctions as its primary leverage and is unwilling to ease these measures before Iran takes concrete steps. Conversely, Tehran argues that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is its strongest bargaining chip, which it will not surrender without upfront concessions. The…