Iran Rejects US Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz as ‘Unrealistic’
TEHRAN — Iran has formally rejected the United States’ latest proposal to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, with a senior official dismissing the American framework as “unrealistic” and accusing Washington of attempting to dictate terms rather than negotiate in good faith .
The rejection came as the Trump administration was preparing to restart “Project Freedom,” the US naval operation to escort commercial vessels through the strategic waterway, after securing access to Saudi and Kuwaiti bases and airspace .
🔴 The ‘Unrealistic’ Demand
The Iranian response was delivered via Pakistani mediators, who had been shuttling proposals between the two capitals . While the specific objections were not detailed, Iran has previously rejected any plan that does not include:
- The complete and permanent lifting of all U.S. sanctions
- A withdrawal of U.S. military forces from the Gulf region
- Iranian control of the strait’s “new legal regime” and toll collection
The US proposal, described as a one-page memorandum of understanding, focused on temporarily reopening the strait to commercial shipping while postponing the most contentious issues — Iran’s nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional proxies — for later negotiations .
Ebrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, warned against any US military action in the strait, posting on X: “Making the same mistake again and again won’t get you a different answer; only a stronger one. Respect the new Maritime Regime of Iran” .
🇮🇷 Domestic Hardline Resistance
The rejection comes as Iranian hardliners, particularly in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), have grown increasingly vocal in their opposition to any deal that does not result in the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region . Parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf publicly mocked the US proposal, declaring “Operation Trust Me Bro failed” and taunting the US with “Operation Fauxios” .
President Masoud Pezeshkian is caught between the supreme leader, the IRGC, and a desperate need for economic relief. His administration has signaled openness to negotiations, but hardliners have used the diplomatic opening to demand maximalist terms .
🇺🇸 ‘We Are Ready to Act’
The White House responded to the Iranian rejection by reiterating its commitment to reopening the strait — with or without Tehran’s approval. A senior administration official told Fox News: “We are going to open the Strait of Hormuz. We have the military capability, we have the assets in place, and we are ready to act. Iran does not have a veto over international waters.”
The Pentagon has confirmed that Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have lifted restrictions on US military use of their bases and airspace, clearing the way for the resumption of Project Freedom .
📉 Oil Market Impact
Oil prices remained under pressure following the rejection. Brent crude, which had fallen to $103.14 per barrel on the prospect of a deal, fell further to $98.32 in early Asian trading .
Analysts are split over the market trajectory. If the US moves forward with Project Freedom without a diplomatic deal, escalating conflict with Iran could send oil prices soaring again — potentially above $120 per barrel. Conversely, a prolonged stalemate could keep prices elevated in the $95-$105 range, as traders price in continued disruption but not full-scale war .
📋 Key Takeaways for Reflecto News Readers
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Iran’s Response | Formally rejected US proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz |
| Reason | Called the American framework “unrealistic” |
| Iran’s Demands | Complete lifting of sanctions, withdrawal of US forces, Iranian control of the strait |
| US Position | Vows to reopen the strait regardless of Iranian approval |
| IRGC Stance | “Making the same mistake again will be met with a stronger answer” |
| US Assets | 15,000 troops, 100+ aircraft, guided-missile destroyers, access to Saudi/Kuwaiti bases |
| Oil Prices | Brent crude fell below $100/barrel, but could spike if conflict escalates |
| What’s Next | Washington must decide whether to proceed with Project Freedom or continue diplomacy |
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