Iran’s Foreign Minister Calls for Negotiation After Trump Rejects Hormuz Deal

NEW YORK — Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said on Sunday that a negotiated settlement was the only way to end the standoff over the Strait of Hormuz after former U.S. President Donald Trump rejected a proposal to reopen the waterway.

US‑Iran standoff over Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes, has been a flashpoint for U.S.‑Iran tensions since 2018. The United States has imposed a series of sanctions on Iran’s oil exports, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence. In 2026, the U.S. administration has sought to ease pressure by offering a limited reopening of the strait, a move that would allow Iranian oil to flow to international markets while maintaining sanctions on other sectors.

Trump’s rejection of the proposal

According to a report by the BBC, former President Donald Trump, who has been a vocal critic of the current U.S. administration’s approach to Iran, declined the proposal to reopen the strait. The rejection was cited as a key factor in the continued deadlock between Washington and Tehran. The proposal had been presented by the U.S. Department of State as a confidence‑building measure, but Trump’s refusal was interpreted by Iranian officials as a sign that the U.S. would not engage in meaningful dialogue.

Amirabdollahian’s statement

In a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Amirabdollahian said that “only a negotiated solution can get the United States out of the deadlock.” He added that Iran remains ready to discuss a framework that would lift sanctions in exchange for a halt to U.S. military activities in the region. The minister’s comments were echoed by the Iranian parliament’s foreign affairs committee, which called for a diplomatic approach to the dispute.

Reactions from Washington

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the department said that the U.S. was “open to dialogue” but would not compromise on its security commitments in the Persian Gulf. The White House has reiterated that any easing of sanctions would be contingent on Iran’s compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the removal of Iranian weapons‑related activities.

Regional implications

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have expressed concern that a prolonged standoff could destabilise the Gulf region. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has called for a multilateral approach to the issue, urging both sides to engage in talks under the auspices of the United Nations. Analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global oil supply, and any disruption could trigger a spike in energy prices.

Historical context

The U.S. and Iran have been at odds over the Strait of Hormuz since the 1979 Iranian Revolution. The U.S. has repeatedly threatened to close the strait in response to Iranian missile tests and support for militant groups. In 2023, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Iranian oil exports, prompting a diplomatic backlash from Tehran. The current proposal to reopen the strait was part of a broader U.S. strategy to reduce tensions in the Middle East.

Future prospects

Amirabdollahian’s call for negotiation comes amid growing pressure from international markets for a resolution. The International Energy Agency has warned that any escalation could disrupt global supply chains. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has invited the U.S. to resume talks, stating that “the path to peace lies in dialogue.” Whether Washington will reconsider its position remains uncertain, as the U.S. has maintained a hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.