US President Donald Trump has reportedly turned down Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire, with a new report saying he has told aides that US strikes on Iran could restart after the November midterm elections. The development comes as Tehran waits for Washington’s formal response to its offer, which was extended on Friday, aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear talks.

Trump Doubts Iran Will Meet US Demands

According to The Wall Street Journal, citing US officials familiar with the matter, Trump remains doubtful that Iran would fulfil his conditions. He has maintained that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. While an official confirmation is awaited, Trump on Saturday also shared a map on Truth Social showing the Strait of Hormuz circled and labelled "Trump Strait."

Bombings To Resume?

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump had issued strong warnings about the future of the conflict, leaving room for possible escalation. Speaking at the UN General Assembly in New York, he said, “I have a big decision to make…Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before?... Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again?”

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The Iranian proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations over its nuclear programme. In return, Iran sought an end to the US blockade of its ports and relief from economic pressure. Earlier on Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi informed that the proposal was shared with Washington through intermediaries during discussions in New York on the sidelines of the UNGA session.

Araghchi said the plan is based on the Islamabad Memorandum agreed upon by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in June. However, it includes changes intended to speed up the process. Under the proposal, fighting would stop within seven days after both sides agree to the arrangement and the ceasefire would also cover Lebanon.

While the latest report points to a possible resumption of bombing after the elections, Trump had earlier indicated that diplomacy could bring an end to the conflict. “We think that the situation with Iran could end right after the (November 3) midterm elections, maybe before. I don't know. You never know,” he said. Meanwhile, Iran is awaiting an official response from Washington to its proposal.

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