Trump denies concessions as Iran awaits US response on Hormuz deal

Iran is awaiting a US response to a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief, while President Trump denies any willingness to make concessions. Indirect talks are reportedly ongoing with Qatar as mediator. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday that Qatari mediators have presented proposals and will relay the US final answer, with hopes for clarity by Tuesday. Iran demands sanctions lifting, an end to the naval blockade, and release of frozen assets, plus a week-long ceasefire across Middle East conflict zones. The Axios news site reported Trump is open to lifting sanctions, but the president flatly denied this, saying he offered "nothing." Oil prices rose after initial reports of a US rejection, highlighting Iran's economic leverage ahead of US midterm elections.