WASHINGTON D.C.—The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is at risk following Washington’s flat rejection of Tehran’s new conditions for reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz. A senior U.S. government official confirmed on the 27th that the proposal, relayed via mediator Pakistan, is “effectively unacceptable.”
The two nations remain deeply divided over the terms for a formal cessation of hostilities, which the U.S. insists must include long-term commitments on nuclear non-enrichment.
Secretary Rubio Criticizes Iranian Stance
Speaking on Fox News, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was sharply critical of Iran’s proposal. He dismissed Tehran’s definition of “opening the strait,” stating, “What they call ‘opening the strait’ means, ‘Yes, the strait is open, but you must cooperate with Iran, obtain their permission, and if not, we will blow you up.’”
Secretary Rubio stressed that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway. “That is not opening the strait,” he emphasized. “Iran’s attempt to decide who can use it and how much they must pay is unacceptable to us.”
Key Demands and Diverging Positions
Iran’s new proposal reportedly included keeping the Strait of Hormuz open while simultaneously postponing the nuclear-related discussions that Washington is demanding. This move directly contradicts the U.S. requirement for Iran to pledge not to enrich uranium for a period of 20 years.
Analysts suggest that since the strait was already functioning effectively even before the recent conflict, accepting Iran’s terms would primarily grant the U.S. only a symbolic victory on the nuclear file, while conceding Iran’s control over the critical maritime chokepoint.
U.S. President Donald Trump convened an emergency Situation Room meeting today to review Iran’s latest demands. The White House is expected to issue a final clarification of the U.S. position once the meeting concludes.
