US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and has told aides that he expects US bombing of Iran to resume after the November midterm elections, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing US officials.The report comes as Tehran has proposed a temporary arrangement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme. Reuters said it could not immediately independently verify the Wall Street Journal report.Key HighlightsTrump has reportedly rejected Iran’s proposed seven-day ceasefire.US officials told the Wall Street Journal that Trump expects bombing to resume after the November midterm elections.Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days.Tehran also wants to restart negotiations with Washington over its nuclear programme.Iran’s proposal includes lifting the US naval blockade and easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports.The report comes amid continuing diplomatic efforts through regional mediators.What Is Iran’s Seven-Day Ceasefire Proposal?Iran has proposed a seven-day framework aimed at reducing hostilities and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.Under the proposal, Washington would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports and observe a ceasefire that would include Lebanon.In return, Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations with the United States over its nuclear programme. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the waterway could return to normal maritime traffic within seven days if the necessary conditions were met.The proposal was conveyed through Qatar, which has been involved in diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran.Why Has Trump Rejected the Proposal?According to the Wall Street Journal report, Trump remains sceptical that Iran would accept US demands, particularly regarding its nuclear programme.The report said Trump has told aides that he expects the US bombing campaign to resume after the November midterm elections. The scale of any possible renewed military action remains unclear, and officials indicated that Trump's position could change in the coming weeks.Trump has publicly spoken about the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran after the US elections. During his September 22 address to the United Nations General Assembly, he said a deal could be reached after the midterms while also warning of further military action if an agreement was not achieved.Strait of Hormuz at the Centre of TalksThe Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of contention in the conflict because of its importance to global energy shipments.Iran's proposal directly links the reopening of the waterway with sanctions relief, the lifting of the US naval blockade and renewed nuclear negotiations.The situation has also created uncertainty for global energy markets because disruptions around the strait can affect the movement of oil and gas.(READ MORE :Trump Reveals 3-Hour US-Iran Meeting at UNGA Amid War and Hormuz Crisis)Diplomatic Efforts ContinueThe latest proposal comes as diplomatic contacts continue around the United Nations General Assembly in New York.Iranian officials have sought to present the seven-day framework as a route toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting wider negotiations. US officials, meanwhile, have continued discussions through regional mediators, although the two sides remain divided over sanctions, military pressure and Iran's nuclear programme.The reported rejection of the proposal does not necessarily close the door to further negotiations. The Wall Street Journal report said Trump's position could change, while officials indicated that discussions through intermediaries were continuing.What Happens Next?The immediate focus is on whether Washington and Tehran can bridge their differences over the ceasefire proposal, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme.For now, the reported US position points to continued uncertainty over the conflict. Any decision to resume military strikes, change the blockade or enter a new diplomatic arrangement would depend on developments in the coming weeks.
