Trump Rejects Hormuz Deal, Iran Calls for Negotiations

WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump announced on 27 September 2026 that he would not support a US‑Iran agreement that would keep shipping in the Strait of Hormuz open. The decision follows a long‑standing US policy of maintaining sanctions on Iran and a history of diplomatic friction over Tehran’s nuclear program. In response, Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that only negotiation can end the conflict and that the country remains open to talks that respect its sovereignty.

Trump’s rejection stokes diplomatic tensions

The Hormuz deal, originally negotiated under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, was intended to guarantee the free flow of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global oil shipments. The United States had previously signalled willingness to lift sanctions on Iran in exchange for compliance with nuclear restrictions, but the Trump administration had repeatedly expressed concerns over Iran’s ballistic missile program and alleged support for militant groups.

On 27 September, Trump issued a statement through his campaign office that the deal was unacceptable and that the United States would continue to enforce sanctions until Iran met all conditions of the nuclear agreement. The statement was released at a press briefing in Washington, where Trump reiterated that the US would not compromise on security guarantees for the region.

Amirabdollahian, speaking at a press conference in Tehran, said that the Iranian government had always sought a negotiated solution to the dispute. He added that the country would not accept unilateral actions that undermine its national interests and that it remains committed to dialogue with the United States and other parties.

Sanctions and the nuclear program remain central to the dispute

The United States has imposed a range of sanctions on Iran, targeting its banking, energy, and defense sectors. These measures have been renewed by successive administrations, with the Trump administration citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions as a primary justification. The Iranian government has repeatedly denied that its nuclear program is aimed at weapons development, arguing that it is for peaceful purposes and that it is bound by the 2015 agreement.

In the weeks leading up to the announcement, the U.S. Treasury Department had warned that it would re‑impose sanctions on Iranian entities that were involved in the production of missile components. The warning was part of a broader strategy to pressure Tehran into compliance with the nuclear deal and to curb its regional influence.

International reaction and potential implications

European diplomats have called for a return to diplomatic engagement, noting that the Strait of Hormuz is vital to global trade. The European Union has expressed concern that the US rejection could destabilise the region and increase the risk of maritime disruptions. Meanwhile, the United Nations has urged both parties to resume negotiations under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Analysts say that the rejection could lead to a tightening of sanctions and a potential escalation in regional tensions. However, they also note that Iran’s statement signals a willingness to engage in talks, which could keep the door open for future diplomatic solutions.

Amirabdollahian’s remarks come at a time when Iran is facing economic pressure from sanctions and a need to secure its energy exports. The country’s leadership has repeatedly stated that it will not compromise on its strategic autonomy and that any agreement must be negotiated on equal footing.

In the broader context, the dispute reflects the continuing divide between the United States and Iran over nuclear policy, regional security, and economic sanctions. The Trump administration’s stance is consistent with a hardline approach that prioritises security guarantees over diplomatic concessions.