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

WASHINGTON — Iran’s foreign minister said on Sunday that a negotiated settlement is the only way to end the ongoing conflict after former U.S. president Donald Trump rejected a proposed Hormuz deal. The statement came as the United States and Iran remain at odds over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil traffic.

Background on the Hormuz Deal

The Hormuz deal, first floated in 2024, aimed to guarantee the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a phased lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran. The proposal was endorsed by the U.S. administration under President Joe Biden but was later rejected by Trump in a 2025 interview, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and regional influence.

Iran’s Stance on Negotiation

Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, speaking at a press conference in Tehran, said that “only a negotiated solution can bring an end to the deadlock.” He added that Iran remains open to dialogue but that any agreement must address security guarantees and the lifting of sanctions in a manner that protects national sovereignty.

Zarif’s remarks followed a series of diplomatic exchanges in which Iran has repeatedly called for a multilateral approach. The minister emphasized that unilateral actions by the United States could further destabilize the region and hinder the prospects for a lasting peace.

U.S. Response and Trump’s Position

In a statement released by the White House, officials said they were reviewing the implications of Trump’s rejection of the Hormuz deal. The statement noted that the U.S. remains committed to ensuring the security of international shipping lanes but also reiterated its concerns over Iran’s compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Trump, who has not held office since 2021, reiterated his opposition to the deal in a recent interview with a conservative media outlet. He argued that the agreement would not sufficiently curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and could embolden Tehran’s regional ambitions.

UN Perspective

United Nations Ambassador John Waltz, speaking in Geneva, said that Iran was not negotiating “in good faith” to end the war. Waltz’s comments were reported by The Guardian, which noted that the U.N. has called for a renewed diplomatic effort to resolve the conflict. The U.N. has also urged both parties to adhere to international law regarding the freedom of navigation.

Implications for Regional Security

Experts say that the rejection of the Hormuz deal by Trump and the subsequent call for negotiation by Iran could prolong the stalemate. Analysts point out that the Strait of Hormuz handles about 20% of the world’s oil supply, and any disruption could have global economic repercussions.

In the past year, the United States has increased naval patrols in the region and imposed additional sanctions on Iranian entities linked to its missile program. Iran has responded with a series of retaliatory measures, including increased ballistic missile launches and cyber operations against U.S. targets.

Future Diplomatic Steps

Both sides have indicated that they will continue to engage through back‑channel talks. The Iranian foreign ministry has requested a meeting with the U.S. State Department to discuss a framework for a negotiated settlement. Meanwhile, the U.S. has called for a “comprehensive and enforceable” agreement that includes verification mechanisms for Iran’s nuclear activities.

The international community, including the European Union and Russia, has urged both parties to resume negotiations. The EU’s foreign policy chief stated that a stable and secure Strait of Hormuz is essential for global trade and energy security.

As the conflict persists, the United Nations has warned that any escalation could threaten the free flow of commerce and increase the risk of a broader regional war.