US Rejects Iran's Hormuz Proposal Over Frozen Assets Demand
US Ambassador Mike Waltz reveals why Washington rejected Iran's plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing demands for billions in frozen assets.
The United States has officially turned down a proposal from Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, following what American officials described as unreasonable demands for immediate financial concessions. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, revealed that Tehran sought the lifting of sanctions and access to billions in frozen assets before any meaningful negotiations regarding its nuclear programme could begin.
A Cynical Attempt at Negotiation?
Speaking during an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Ambassador Waltz characterized the Iranian move as a strategic maneuver rather than a genuine diplomatic olive branch. He noted that Tehran was attempting to secure massive benefits upfront in exchange for a mere promise to talk later.
“They were asking for everything up front, with a promise that they would then talk,” Waltz stated. In a subsequent appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” he went further, labeling the proposal a “pretty cynical attempt to put something on the table that they knew was unacceptable.”
Waltz emphasized that the sanctions in question are not merely American impositions but represent a global consensus. He highlighted the following points regarding the international stance on Iran:
- Global Sanctions: The restrictions are part of a broader international position, not just US policy.
- Nuclear Violations: There have been seven UN Security Council resolutions over the last two decades prohibiting Iran from pursuing a nuclear weapons programme.
- IAEA Oversight: The International Atomic Energy Agency has previously referred Iran to the Security Council due to violations, including the refusal to allow inspectors and provide proper oversight of uranium enrichment.
Iran Disputes the US Account
The Iranian government has quickly pushed back against the American narrative. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi disputed Waltz’s version of events during his own interview on NBC. Araghchi expressed surprise at the Ambassador's specific claims regarding a seven-day plan, suggesting that Waltz might not have even read the actual document.
“I am surprised that the ambassador is talking about a seven-day plan, as he has not read it,” Araghchi remarked, adding, “Maybe he has not been given a copy.”
Trump Predicts a Swift Victory
While the diplomatic friction intensifies, US President Donald Trump expressed a high degree of confidence that the ongoing confrontation with Iran will reach a conclusion shortly. Speaking to Fox News, Trump suggested that a resolution would lead to a significant drop in global energy costs.
“I think what's going to happen is we're going to win this war very soon, and as soon as we win it, the oil will go down, way down to what it was before the war,” Trump said. He reiterated that the primary objective of American policy remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
When questioned about the possibility of renewed military strikes prior to the upcoming US midterm elections, Trump remained non-committal but did not rule out the possibility, stating, “It's possible, but I just don't want to say that.”
Tehran Warns of Potential 'Doomsday War'
The rhetoric from Tehran remains defiant. Foreign Minister Araghchi stated that while Iran remains open to diplomacy, it is prepared for the worst-case scenario. He noted that the US rejection had not been formally communicated through official diplomatic channels.
“We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed. We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war,” Araghchi warned. He concluded by stating that Iran's priority is its national interest, regardless of the US political calendar, though the door for diplomacy remains open depending on President Trump's choices.