REPORT: Trump Makes Decision On Iran’s Ceasefire Offer

President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal citing unnamed U.S. officials. The officials added that the possibility of additional strikes against Iranian regime targets is likely following the U.S. midterm elections.

According to reports from several outlets, including The Journal, Iran proposed a deal during the United Nations General Assembly meeting that would trigger a seven-day countdown to reopening the strait and a pause in regional fighting, including in Lebanon.

“If there is seriousness on the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said. If the United States agreed, the parties could start wider talks “on mutually agreed subjects,” he added.

A U.S. official told Reuters that the United States and Iran were having “positive and constructive discussions through the mediators.” The Journal report, however, stated that Trump was privately skeptical that Iran would meet his demands and had told his staff that he sees a renewed bombing campaign as likely.

Officials said Trump is reluctant to resume major combat operations, with the scope of any envisioned strikes unclear. They noted that his views could change and that he could be swayed by the midterm results.

The United States has also informed Iranian representatives and mediators that Trump does not intend to lift the naval blockade on Tehran at this time. U.S. officials assess that sustained economic pressure will push Tehran toward an agreement.

A separate official told the Wall Street Journal that U.S.-led efforts to ensure transit in the Strait of Hormuz — which has led to an increased volume of traffic through the strait — has reduced the urgency to make a deal within the administration.

Indirect negotiations continue through regional mediators. During a meeting in Qatar, Iran raised the possibility of a seven-day pause that could end Iranian attacks on commercial shipping in exchange for lifting the blockade.

Trump has publicly argued that Iran is under severe economic pressure and is seeking an agreement after the midterms that would dismantle its nuclear program. In a speech to the United Nations this week, he said electoral politics would not determine his policy.

“The Republican Party is running, and I’ll be helping them, but I am not running. I gave absolutely no credence and will not give credence through the election when it comes to Iran,” he told world leaders. “The only thing that does is that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.”

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