President Trump rejects Iran’s latest proposal as war enters its eighth month
President Donald Trump declined Iran’s proposal to resume nuclear talks and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing confidence that the war will end soon.
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks, as the war enters its eighth month.
Iran proposed reopening the key waterway and resuming discussions on its nuclear program within a week if the United States met certain conditions like lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. However, Trump dismissed the offer, saying, “Oil will come dropping down as soon as Iran gives up, as soon as the war is over, which will be soon.”
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage that accounts for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil traffic, has been closed by Iran since February after attacks by the U.S. and Israel on the Islamic Republic. Since the closure, the number of ships passing through the strait has dropped significantly due to Iranian threats and attacks on vessels attempting to transit the area.
Before the war with Iran, about 100 ships were able to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the ship tracker Lloyd’s List. Last month, transits were down 84% compared to pre-war levels.
This disruption has contributed to higher energy prices, including increased costs at the gas pump.
As of Monday, Sept. 28, AAA is reporting the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.48 per gallon. Before the war started in February gas was $2.98 per gallon.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized the importance of diplomacy despite the ongoing conflict. “I’m still trying diplomacy because I think we shouldn’t miss any chance for peace,” Araghchi said. “We are ready to negotiate as much as we are ready to face any challenge. We stand firm in the face of any challenge.”
The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump may continue strikes on Iran after the midterm elections. This comes as some Republicans express concerns that the president’s handling of the war could affect their chances of maintaining control of Congress in November.
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