Trump Turns Down Iran's Proposal for Weeklong Peace Plan: WSJ

According to a report published by the Wall Street Journal on Friday, US President Donald Trump has declined an Iranian proposal that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt fighting in the region for seven days. Citing anonymous US officials, the report stated that Trump told his aides he expects bombing operations to resume after the US congressional elections in November.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said at the United Nations that Tehran's peace plan offer was conveyed to the US via Qatari mediators. Araghchi explained that the plan could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to regional hostilities, should the United States agree to the terms.

The proposal included lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen Iranian funds, and waiving oil sanctions in exchange for the ceasefire and reopening of the strategic shipping lane. Araghchi noted that if the US was serious about a deal, 'everything is now prepared.'

While a US official told Reuters that discussions through mediators were 'positive and constructive,' the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump has remained privately sceptical about Iran’s willingness to meet US demands and anticipates renewed military action after elections.

The ongoing seven-month conflict has caused thousands of deaths, negatively impacted Iran’s conventional forces and economy, and disrupted vital oil shipping routes. Iran and its allies have responded with drone, missile, and militia attacks throughout the region, while Iranian-backed groups continue operations in Lebanon and Yemen.

The situation has also seen increased diplomatic and military coordination among key regional actors. On Friday, defence officials from Turkey and Pakistan, both members of a joint pact with Saudi Arabia, met in Riyadh to discuss security and military cooperation. This follows a recent meeting of Saudi, Pakistani, and Turkish foreign ministers within the Mecca Joint Defence Alliance framework.

Meanwhile, the United Nations children's agency has reported a worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, noting a rise in acute malnutrition among children due to the ongoing violence.