New Delhi. Iran had presented a 7-day roadmap to America to reduce tension. In this, it was offered to open the Strait of Hormuz and restart talks on nuclear issues. In return, Iran demanded the lifting of the US naval blockade, relaxation of oil sanctions and a ceasefire involving Lebanon.
Now US President Donald Trump has rejected this proposal. According to the Wall Street Journal report, US officials said that Trump doubts that Iran will meet his conditions. The report also said that Trump has told aides about the possibility of resuming bombing of Iran after the US midterm elections in November. However, it is not clear what its scale would be in the event of an attack.
First understand, what Iran had proposed
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had presented a seven-day roadmap to America. Under this, Iran was ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start talks on nuclear program with America. This proposal was delivered to America through intermediaries.
In return, Iran had demanded America to take three steps:
– The American naval blockade on Iranian ports should be removed.
– Sanctions imposed on the sale of Iranian oil should be relaxed.
– A ceasefire should be implemented which also includes Lebanon.
According to Araghchi, America can complete these steps in four to five days. After this, a way was proposed to open the Strait of Hormuz on the sixth day and to resume talks with America on the seventh day.
Why did Trump reject the proposal?
According to the Wall Street Journal report, US officials said that Trump does not trust Iran's proposal. He believes that there is not enough confidence in whether Iran will meet American demands. For this reason the proposal of seven days was not accepted.
According to the report, Trump has mentioned to his aides the possibility of resuming bombing of Iran after the November midterm elections. However, this is just a reported possibility, not an official announcement of a new military operation.
The report also states that Trump does not seem completely prepared for any major military operation at the moment. There has also been talk of pressure on America's weapons stockpile and some weapons are being considered to be saved for other possible military needs. On the other hand, Trump has publicly disagreed with reports of a reduction in US arms stockpiles.
Iran said- Now America has to decide
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says that now the ball is in America's court. Iran has indicated that it is open to talks, but says it will not back down from its sovereign rights in the face of pressure, threats or attempts to intimidate. Iranian President Masoud Pejshkian has also welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping's stance of resolving differences through dialogue and expressed his gratitude for it.
Why is the whole world eyeing Hormuz?
The Strait of Hormuz is a very important energy route for the world. Iran's proposal to open it within seven days is important because oil and other energy products move through this route. Hormuz-related disruptions during the current conflict have also impacted global oil markets and shipping.
At present the situation is that Iran had presented a seven-day roadmap, whereas Trump has not accepted it. While Iran is linking talks and opening of Hormuz to US actions, the Trump administration is not confident that Iran will meet its demands. In such a situation, further developments will depend on both diplomatic talks and military options.