Trump rejects Iran deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz — SkimNews
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- Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, claiming the US already has "total control" of the strait with "massive amounts of oil" passing through, and adding the terms were "not acceptable."
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters at the UN that the Strait could be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days "if the necessary conditions are met," referencing a June 14-point MOU signed in Pakistan.
- The June MOU committed both sides to end military operations on "all fronts," ended the US naval blockade, offered sanctions relief, and included Iran's pledge never to acquire a nuclear weapon — but collapsed after strikes resumed by both sides.
- President Masoud Pezeshkian told CBS News that Iran would now allow UN nuclear inspectors back into the country and said the MOU terms could restore the pre-war status quo.
- Iran has attacked unauthorized vessels in the strait while the US has struck Iranian sites there and maintained a blockade of Iranian ports; shipping data cited by Reuters shows about 18 daily transits, dropping to nine on some days.
- Iran-aligned Houthis have intensified attacks on Saudi oil installations and seized Red Sea coast stretches including the port of Mokha, with Saudi-led coalition intercepting missiles and drones and Saudi leadership reportedly requesting US military support.
Why it matters: Trump is rejecting a near-term diplomatic off-ramp while telling the UN a deal will come "right after November's elections" — explicitly tying any resolution to his political calendar rather than the crisis on the water. The MOU's collapse, combined with Iran's offer to readmit UN nuclear inspectors, means a negotiating window that was open is now shut by Trump's refusal, leaving the Strait — through which roughly a fifth of world oil and gas flows — effectively closed into the election cycle.
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