DONALD Trump has rejected Iran’s seven-day ceasefire plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to launch fresh strikes.
The US president also mocked Tehran by posting an image of the key waterway labelled “Trump Strait”.
Under Iran‘s proposed ceasefire, the Strait of Hormuz would have been reopened within a week.
The critical maritime trade route has been effectively shut off for half a year – sending oil prices soaring around the world.
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi revealed the seven-day blueprint to US officials on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week.
It also contained assurances to kick start talks on nuclear ambitions once again – on condition Washington lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waived sanctions and respected the pause in fighting including in Lebanon.
Araghchi said at the UN: “The choice now rests with the United States.”
Talks between the US and Iran had been “constructive” according to the White House.
But US officials later claimed Trump had his doubts about Iran keeping its promises.
Trump has also vowed to launch fresh strikes in Iran after the midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The ceasefire plan would have temporarily allowed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial trade artery that used to be a passage for one fifth of the global oil supply.
Since the war between Iran and the US broke out, the critical maritime passage has been effectively shut off by American and Iranian vessels.
There was a brief pause in fighting when a Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides was agreed.
But it quickly fell apart as both sides accused the other of breaching its terms.
The latest development comes as Trump prepares for midterm elections in November.
Analysts say he is strategically waiting to fully restart the conflict until after the vote.
It comes after a dizzying week of top-level diplomacy at both the UN and in Washington.
Dozens of delegates walked out as Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu began his address to the UN.
His speech, which defended Israel’s military operations in the Middle East, was also disrupted by chants in support of Palestine.
And at the White House, Trump hosted Chinese leader Xi Jinping – with Iran being near the top of the talking points agenda.
The two presidents also discussed AI, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
There are also fears of an escalating energy crisis following the breakout of war between the Houthi rebels – an Iranian proxy group – and Saudi Arabia.
The years-long conflict reignited earlier this year but in recent weeks has taken off to a new level with strikes and land grabs reported by each side.
The Houthis, who have taken numerous key ports and islands in the Red Sea, have threatened to cut off the crucial maritime chokepoint sitting between the Suez Canal and the Bab al-Mandab Strait.