Trump administration officials rejected Iran’s peace proposal to end the conflict, with UN Ambassador Mike Waltz stating that Iranian negotiators were demanding concessions before engaging in substantive talks. Waltz told CNN that Iran sought relief from sanctions as a precondition rather than as part of broader negotiations, and he characterized the approach as evidence that Iran was not negotiating sincerely.
President Trump said he rejected the Iranian proposal because he believed the country was motivated by desperation rather than genuine interest in peace. Trump stated the US was “winning tremendously” and maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz. In separate comments, Trump said he expected additional negotiations during the coming week but asserted that Iran’s terms did not align with what the US would accept, describing the Iranian proposal as equivalent to agreements that might have been reached previously.
Waltz referenced a memorandum of understanding signed in Pakistan in June that outlined a 14-point framework for peace, stating that Iran violated the agreement by attacking international shipping. He noted that 146 nations had joined the US in condemning Iran for these attacks.
In response, Iranian officials stressed their commitment to diplomacy while maintaining their negotiating position. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz was contingent on specific conditions being met and insisted that only negotiated solutions could resolve the conflict. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was prepared for talks on nuclear and other issues but would not accept what he characterized as bullying or coercion.
Waltz also addressed reports of Chinese assistance to Iran in targeting shipping and military bases. While not confirming leaked intelligence assessments, he stated that Trump had raised the matter with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping during recent meetings. Waltz rejected reporting that the US planned to resume bombing Iran after federal elections, saying Trump’s goal was preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
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