Trump Rejected Iran Ceasefire, Aides Say Bombing to Continue Post-Midterms

President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day ceasefire proposal with Iran, indicating to aides that the United States expects to resume bombing the country after the midterm elections in November, according to a report.

Trump declined the offer, which would have involved Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations. In exchange, the U.S. would have lifted its blockade on Iranian ports, The Wall Street Journal reported. However, Trump does not intend to end the maritime blockade.

Sources suggest Trump is skeptical that Iran will meet his demands and has informed staff that further airstrikes are likely. The specifics of any renewed strikes remain unclear, particularly given considerations about the U.S.'s low reserve munitions after months of conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the initial stages of the proposal would take approximately four to five days to complete, with the Strait of Hormuz opening on the sixth day and U.S. talks resuming on the final day of the suggested deal, according to the Associated Press.

Earlier in the week, President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, warning that he might "annihilate" Iran if a deal to end the war was not reached. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which about a fifth of the world's traded oil flowed daily before the conflict, is a key point of contention.

The White House has been contacted for comment.