Trump is hinting that he will reject Iran's offer. Why reopening the Strait of Hormuz is not enough
President Donald Trump signaled on Monday that he was unlikely to accept Iran's latest proposal to end the conflict. Tehran's plan provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but leaves issues related to the nuclear program for further negotiations, writes CNN.
The proposal recently submitted by Iranian authorities was discussed by President Trump with senior national security officials on Monday. The conclusion of the meeting was that reopening the strait without addressing nuclear enrichment could remove a key element of the United States' negotiating leverage, making the deal unlikely, according to people familiar with the situation.
However, maintaining the blockage of the waterway would prolong the period of high energy prices that have caused the cost of gasoline to spike in the US.
Despite the tensions, Iranian goods continue to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping data shows that most of the ships in recent days have followed routes established by Tehran, and about half have been loaded in Iranian ports, which is in direct violation of the US-imposed blockade.
After Monday's meeting, it was unclear what the White House leader's next steps would be. U.S. officials say they remain concerned about what they see as dissent within the Iranian regime and are unsure who holds the ultimate decision-making power over any deal.
Donald Trump has been publicly skeptical of resuming the US bombing campaign, which is on hold after he extended the ceasefire last week.
The White House declined to comment on specific details of the negotiations. “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the US will not negotiate through the media. As the president has said, the United States is in control and will only make a deal that puts the American people first,” Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Wales told CNN.
Even if Trump is signaling that he will reject the offer, media sources believe that a compromise is still possible. On the other hand, Iranian officials talk about the “unreasonable demands” of the US as the main cause of the impasse.
