Trump Rejects Iran's Strait of Hormuz Proposal Amid Houthi Attacks
U.S. President Donald Trump has flatly rejected a proposal from Tehran to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the United States maintains "total control" over the critical waterway. Speaking outside the White House on Saturday, Trump dismissed the offer from Iran and characterized the ongoing U.S. naval blockade as "the greatest blockade in military history."
The refusal comes at a time of extreme tension in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, a primary artery for global energy through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and gas travels, has been effectively restricted since the onset of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran in late February 2026.
Tehran's Conditions for Reopening the Waterway
The rejected proposal was brought forward by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari channels. The terms of the deal were specific: Iran offered to reopen the strait within seven days provided that the United States met several demands, including:
- The lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports.
- The removal of sanctions on Iranian ports.
- The acceptance of a formal ceasefire.
While Araghchi confirmed on Sunday that Iran is awaiting a definitive official response via mediators, the political atmosphere remains hostile. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that his administration no longer places any trust in Washington, citing previous attacks that occurred during prior negotiation attempts.
Escalating Missile Strikes Across the GCC
As diplomatic efforts stall, military activity is intensifying. The region is witnessing a surge in Houthi missile and drone activity, which has impacted every member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and Kuwait. All these nations have reported being struck by Iranian-linked projectiles targeting civilian infrastructure and energy sites.
Recent escalations include:
- Saudi Arabia: The Saudi-led coalition reported intercepting two Houthi drones near Riyadh and ballistic missiles aimed at Khamis Mushait. Civil defense alerts were subsequently activated in Abha and Jazan.
- Houthi Rhetoric: Houthi official Hezam Al-Assad described recent barrages as nothing more than