Trump Rejects Iran Cease-Fire, Airstrikes Likely Post-Midterms
President indicates renewed military action against Iran after November elections, despite Tehran's proposed seven-day truce.
President Trump has reportedly rejected Iran's proposed seven-day cease-fire, with officials indicating that U.S. airstrikes are likely to resume after the midterm elections.
Tehran's proposed truce included pledges to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and recommence negotiations on dismantling its nuclear program, in exchange for the United States ending its blockade of Iranian ports. However, Trump has expressed skepticism about Iran's commitment to these terms. The president has informed aides that a resumption of U.S. military airstrikes against Iran is "likely" following the November contests, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal citing U.S. officials.
It remains unclear what scale of airstrikes the administration is planning.
Earlier this week, during a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Trump had warned that stalled peace negotiations could lead to the "annihilation" of Iran.
The White House has not yet provided an immediate response to requests for comment on the matter.
Smoke rises from the site of an explosion near the airport area in Erbil, Iraq, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Iraqi Kurdish counterterrorism forces said the explosions resulted from military training and security activities and caused no danger.
Camouflage-clad participants raise rifles and an Iranian flag during the Jan-Fada rally in Tehran, Iran, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026. The state-organized mobilization brought together Basij units, volunteers and other participants and featured displays of military equipment amid continuing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are seen before welcoming China’s President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan for tea at the White House in Washington, D.C., Friday, Sept. 25, 2026.
