Trump Posts 'Trump Strait' Map Amid Iran Deal Proposal

Former U.S. President Donald Trump posted an image on his Truth Social platform early Saturday morning that labeled the Strait of Hormuz as "Trump Strait." The post came shortly after Iran proposed a deal to open the vital waterway within a week, provided the U.S. meets certain conditions.

This development follows Iran's indirect talks with the United States during the United Nations gathering of world leaders. Iranian media reported that President Masoud Pezeshkian has departed New York for Tehran after the annual U.N. event. Pezeshkian's address to the assembly pushed back against Trump's past threats to "annihilate" the Islamic Republic, while also stating that Tehran remains open to diplomacy.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated Friday night that Tehran's proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear program talks within seven days. This would occur if the U.S. lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observes a ceasefire that would extend to Lebanon.

The White House confirmed Friday that U.S. officials were engaged in positive and constructive conversations with mediators regarding Iran.

In a separate development, Saudi Arabia announced early Saturday that its military had intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile it attributes to the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in neighboring Yemen. The missile was reportedly fired toward the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait. The Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the Houthi attacks as a "grave escalation and threat to regional security."

Iraq has also indicated it is in direct contact with the U.S. to secure exemptions from sanctions on Iranian airlines. The Iraqi prime minister's office aims to obtain exemptions for certain airports, particularly for humanitarian flights related to medical treatment, education, and religious pilgrimages. Many pilgrims from Iran travel to sites such as Karbala and Najaf in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Israeli settlers have reportedly intensified efforts to seize natural springs and heritage sites in the occupied West Bank. These springs are crucial for drinking water, tourism, and agriculture for the 2.8 million Palestinians living in the area. In one instance in the Jordan Valley, settlers are said to have redirected a water pipe from a Palestinian village to a pool they named after Herod. Israeli rights groups suggest these actions are part of a broader strategy to claim heritage sites, highlighting the ongoing contest for control of the West Bank, where Palestinians have experienced water shortages since 1967.