US President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he rejected the latest proposal from Iran delivered during indirect negotiations held in New York this week. Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump stated: “They have made a proposal and I rejected it.”
The diplomatic exchange unfolded on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner participated in indirect discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations confirmed that Qatari officials acted as intermediaries, relaying messages between the two delegations.
During the New York meetings, Foreign Minister Araghchi outlined specific terms from Tehran regarding the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of formal nuclear talks. Iran proposed restoring access to the waterway and restarting nuclear negotiations within a week. In return, Tehran demanded that Washington lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions targeting Iranian oil sales, and reinstate a comprehensive regional ceasefire.
US negotiators rejected the terms outright, informing the Iranian delegation that Tehran does not exert control over the Strait of Hormuz and therefore cannot establish conditions concerning the waterway. Despite the breakdown over those terms, a US official reported that discussions concerning nuclear issues and other matters remain ongoing through regional mediators in a “positive and constructive” manner.
Regional Mediation Efforts and Persistent Standoffs
The indirect talks took place as Türkiye, Qatar, and other regional actors push to restart diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran. While these mediators continue their efforts, significant gaps remain between the two governments regarding foundational security and economic concerns.
The rejection of Tehran’s latest terms underscores the friction between the two administrations, even as back-channel communication channels managed by regional partners stay active.
Who represented the United States in the indirect talks?
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held the indirect talks with the Iranian delegation in New York.
What did Iran demand in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz?
Tehran proposed reopening the waterway and resuming nuclear talks within a week in exchange for Washington lifting its naval blockade, removing sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and reinstating a regional ceasefire.
Why did US negotiators reject the Iranian proposal?
US negotiators rejected the terms because they maintained that Tehran does not control the strait and therefore cannot make demands concerning it.
How do you view the ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran through regional mediators?
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