Iran is awaiting an official US response to its proposal to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz and end regional hostilities following reports that US President Donald Trump rejected the initiative.
The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump expressed skepticism that Tehran would meet his demands also telling staff a renewed bombing campaign remains likely. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi presented the plan at the UN General Assembly via Qatari mediators with stating it could halt hostilities and reopen the waterway within seven days if the US agrees to negotiate.
Under the proposal, Iran would pause fighting on all fronts including in Lebanon. In return, Tehran demands the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, the release of frozen assets and the waiver of oil sanctions. However, a senior Iranian official stressed that Tehran will not make concessions on its nuclear rights or uranium enrichment.
The seven-month war triggered by US and Israeli strikes in late February has severely disrupted global oil flows and damaged Iran’s economy. In response, Iran and its regional allies have expanded the conflict. Houthi forces in Yemen have targeted Saudi infrastructure and shipping in the Red Sea, prompting Saudi Arabia to bolster joint defense measures with Turkey and Pakistan.
Meanwhile the UN children's agency warned on Friday that escalating violence in Yemen has sparked a severe humanitarian crisis with acute malnutrition rising sharply among children.
