Trump rejects Iran's seven-day offer

US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping within a week, saying the deal would not be acceptable.

“I'm rejecting their deal.”

Iran's conditions for reopening

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the strait could reopen within seven days if conditions in a June memorandum of understanding are met, with no new demands added.

“If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, a normal maritime passage restored within seven days.”

Why the strait matters

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since war broke out in February. Around a fifth of the world's gas and oil supply usually flows through this vital waterway.

Trump claims US control

Trump said the US already has total control of the strait with massive amounts of oil passing through it. Shipping data shows a recent ten-day average of about eighteen transits per day.

What the June deal contained

The fourteen-point memorandum of understanding was designed to bring about a ceasefire and reopen the strait. It said Iran would never have a nuclear weapon and both sides would end military operations on all fronts.

Deal fell apart after strikes resumed

The agreement collapsed after both sides resumed strikes. Iran has attacked vessels attempting to cross the strait without authorisation. The US has attacked Iranian sites and maintained a blockade of Iranian ports.

Houthis intensify Red Sea attacks

Yemen's Houthis, allied to Iran, have intensified attacks on Saudi oil exports via the Red Sea. The group seized strategic stretches of Yemen's coast this month, including the port of Mokha.

Trump hints at future military action

Trump told the UN General Assembly this week he believed a deal with Iran would come after November's elections, while pondering whether he would annihilate the Islamic Republic to rebuild it quickly.