Iranian Minister Calls for Negotiations After Trump Rejects Hormuz Roadmap

WASHINGTON — Iran’s foreign minister said a negotiated solution is the only path to ending the deadlock with the United States after President Donald Trump rejected a seven‑day roadmap that Tehran offered to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

In a televised interview on state‑run IRIB, the minister reiterated that Iran remains willing to discuss a phased reopening of the strategic waterway, but emphasized that any agreement must be based on mutual concessions rather than unilateral demands.

Trump’s refusal, reported by Al Jazeera on 26 September, came after the White House described the Iranian proposal as “unrealistic” and “incompatible with U.S. security interests.” The U.S. administration said the roadmap failed to address what it termed Tehran’s support for regional militias and its ballistic‑missile program.

Background of the proposal

The seven‑day plan, first outlined by Iran’s foreign ministry in early September, called for a cease‑fire, the release of detained nationals on both sides, and a phased lifting of sanctions linked to the nuclear dossier. In return, Iran sought guarantees that the United States would halt naval patrols that it says threaten Iranian shipping.

Iranian officials have framed the proposal as a confidence‑building measure aimed at de‑escalating tensions that have risen since the United States increased its naval presence in the Gulf following a series of attacks on commercial vessels in March 2026.

U.S. response and implications

According to Al Jazeera, the White House spokesperson said the roadmap “does not address the core issues of Iranian destabilizing activities in the region.” The statement added that the United States will continue to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for international navigation and will pursue “all diplomatic avenues” to resolve the dispute.

TradingView’s coverage noted that the rejection could prolong the current standoff, which has already seen a 12 % rise in global oil prices since early August, as market participants price in the risk of a disruption to one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

Iran’s diplomatic posture

In the same interview, the Iranian minister warned that continued U.S. pressure could force Tehran to adopt “more defensive measures” to protect its maritime interests. He did not specify what those measures might entail, but referenced past incidents where Iranian vessels were intercepted by U.S. naval forces.

The minister also called on the United Nations and European powers to mediate, citing recent statements from the European Union that it is “ready to facilitate dialogue” between Tehran and Washington.

Regional reactions

Officials in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed concern that the impasse could destabilize regional trade. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry, in a brief statement, urged “all parties to avoid actions that could jeopardize the free flow of oil and gas.”

Meanwhile, Oman, which hosts a U.N.‑backed mediation effort, offered to host a “track‑two” dialogue, a suggestion welcomed by both Tehran and Washington, according to sources familiar with the talks.

Outlook

Analysts at the International Crisis Group, cited by TradingView, warned that without a clear diplomatic pathway, the risk of accidental escalation in the Strait remains high. They noted that both sides have increased naval deployments, raising the probability of miscalculations.

For now, the Iranian minister’s appeal underscores Tehran’s willingness to keep diplomatic channels open, even as the United States maintains a hardline stance. The next steps will likely hinge on whether third‑party mediators can bridge the gaps identified by both capitals.