Iranian Minister Urges Negotiations After Trump Rejects Hormuz Roadmap

WASHINGTON — Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian, said on Sunday that only negotiations could end the conflict after former U.S. President Donald Trump rejected a seven‑day roadmap to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil. The rejection came on 26 September 2026, according to reports from the BBC and Al Jazeera.

US Rejection of the Hormuz Roadmap

On 26 September, the United States declined to accept Iran’s proposal, which outlined a series of steps over seven days aimed at easing tensions and restoring commercial traffic through the Strait. The proposal was presented by the Iranian government as a means to lift U.S. sanctions and end the ongoing standoff that began in 2018 after the U.S. withdrew from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

Al Jazeera reported that the U.S. had formally rejected the plan, citing concerns over Iran’s compliance with previous agreements and the lack of a clear timeline for sanctions relief. The rejection was announced by a U.S. spokesperson in a statement released on the day.

Iranian Minister Calls for Negotiation

In response, Amirabdollahian said that “only a negotiated solution can bring the United States out of the deadlock.” The statement was issued by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a press release on 27 September. He added that Iran remained open to dialogue but warned that unilateral moves by the U.S. would not resolve the conflict.

The minister’s remarks came after the U.S. had previously offered a “seven‑day roadmap” that included steps such as the removal of certain sanctions and the resumption of oil shipments. Iran had framed the plan as a “win‑win” approach that would benefit both sides and the global economy.

Background on the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Oman and Iran, is a critical chokepoint for oil shipping. Approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through the strait, making any disruption a concern for global markets. Since 2018, the U.S. has imposed sanctions on Iranian oil exports and has threatened to close the strait in response to Iranian attacks on shipping vessels.

In 2024, the U.S. and Iran reached a limited agreement that lifted some sanctions in exchange for Iran’s compliance with nuclear safeguards. However, the agreement has not fully restored commercial traffic, and the U.S. has maintained a naval presence in the region to deter further escalation.

Implications for Global Oil Markets

Analysts say that any delay in reopening the strait could push oil prices higher. The International Energy Agency noted that a 10% increase in shipping costs could translate into a 1–2% rise in global crude prices. Traders on the New York Mercantile Exchange have already adjusted futures contracts to reflect the uncertainty.

Iran’s Ministry of Petroleum stated that the country would continue to export oil through alternative routes if the strait remained closed. However, the volume of exports would likely be reduced, affecting Iran’s revenue and the global supply chain.

International Reactions

European Union officials expressed concern over the U.S. rejection, urging both sides to resume talks. The EU’s foreign policy chief said that “a diplomatic solution is essential for regional stability.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement calling for restraint and a return to negotiations. The statement emphasized that China’s interests in the region depend on stable shipping lanes.

In the United Nations, the Security Council held a brief session on 28 September to discuss the situation. The resolution was tabled but did not pass, as the U.S. and Iran were the only parties with veto power.