WASHINGTON — Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, said on 27 September 2026 that a negotiated settlement was the only way to end the conflict after former U.S. President Donald Trump rejected a proposed deal to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial shipping. The statement came amid renewed tensions between Tehran and Washington over sanctions and regional security.
Trump’s Rejection and the Hormuz Deal
Trump’s administration had previously brokered a limited agreement in 2024 that would have eased U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for a halt to Iranian ballistic missile development. The deal, which was to be implemented through a joint monitoring mechanism, was withdrawn by Trump in a statement issued on 24 September 2026. The withdrawal was based on concerns that the agreement did not sufficiently curb Iran’s missile program and that it lacked enforceable verification measures.
In a press briefing, Amirabdollahian said that the rejection of the Hormuz deal by Trump “underscores the need for a comprehensive, negotiated solution that addresses security concerns on both sides.” He added that Iran was prepared to engage in talks if the United States demonstrated a genuine willingness to negotiate in good faith.
UN Ambassador’s Critique
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda S. Waltz, speaking to the press in New York, said that Iran had not been negotiating in good faith to end the war. She noted that the U.S. had “failed to provide a credible framework for dialogue” and that Iran’s insistence on unilateral measures would prolong the conflict.
Context of U.S.-Iran Relations
The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes, has been a flashpoint for U.S.-Iran tensions since the 1979 revolution. In 2024, the U.S. imposed new sanctions on Iranian petrochemical firms, citing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. Iran has repeatedly called for a multilateral approach to lifting sanctions, arguing that unilateral measures harm global trade.
Amirabdollahian’s comments come after a series of incidents in the Persian Gulf, including the U.S. Navy’s interception of an Iranian vessel in 2025 and a drone attack on a Saudi oil facility in early 2026. The Iranian government has maintained that these actions are defensive responses to U.S. provocations.
International Reactions
European diplomats in Brussels have urged both sides to resume talks. A spokesperson for the European Union said that the EU would continue to support a diplomatic solution that preserves the free flow of commerce through the Hormuz Strait.
China’s ambassador to the United Nations, Li Hui, expressed concern that the conflict could disrupt global energy markets. He called for “balanced engagement” and noted that China had increased its oil imports from Iran in the past year.
Potential Impact on Global Markets
Oil prices have fluctuated since the deal’s rejection, with Brent crude reaching $95 a barrel in early October 2026. Analysts from the International Energy Agency warn that any escalation could push prices above $110 a barrel.
Amirabdollahian’s statement was also a response to a report by Common Dreams, which highlighted the lack of progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations. The Iranian foreign ministry said it would “continue to engage in dialogue” but would not accept any terms that compromised its national security.
Future Negotiation Prospects
According to the BBC, the Iranian government is preparing a new proposal that would include a phased lifting of sanctions tied to verifiable reductions in missile production. The proposal would also seek to establish a joint monitoring body with U.N. oversight.
The U.S. State Department has not yet released a formal statement on the new proposal. However, a spokesperson said that the administration would review any offer that addresses the concerns raised in the 2024 agreement.
In the meantime, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to hold a meeting on 5 October 2026 to discuss the implications of the Hormuz deal’s collapse. The meeting will include representatives from the United States, Iran, Russia, China, and the European Union.
