President Donald Trump has reportedly discarded Tehran’s offer for a seven-day ceasefire. The president also told his aides that he expects to restart attacks on the Asian country after the November midterms.
Trump Skeptical of Iran’s Intentions
Trump is not sure that Tehran would meet his proposals and has told his aides that a likely scenario is a resumption of bombings on Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, citing U.S. officials.
Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart nuclear discussions in return for Washington to lift its economic blockade of the country’s ports.
Earlier in the day, it was reported that U.S. and Iranian negotiators in New York were discussing a phased path out of the war based on these proposals.
However, Trump’s opinion could shift as the war continues over the coming weeks and may also be impacted by the midterm results, the officials said.
The intensity of attacks Trump is considering could not be determined. Trump is not willing to restart significant attacks, partly because the U.S. intends to retain the declining munitions for other emergencies, the report added.
The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comment.
Negotiations Still Ongoing But Hurdles Ahead
The U.S. and Iran are continuing discussions via mediators, including matters related to nuclear issues.
A U.S.-led initiative to ensure oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite Tehran’s threats has reduced the urgency for a deal, the report noted. Washington has reportedly informed Tehran and the mediators that Trump does not plan to remove the maritime embargo.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reportedly said on Thursday that the country is willing to make a peace deal with the U.S. before the November midterms.
Speaking on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Pezeshkian urged Washington to return to the June memorandum of understanding that had established a framework for a temporary ceasefire before collapsing.
In his UN address, Trump said his administration could reach a peace agreement with Iran after the midterms. However, earlier this week, Trump warned that he could “annihilate” Iran if Tehran fails to reach a deal to end the conflict.
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