US rejects Iran's Hormuz reopening plan over frozen assets demand

The United States rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz because Tehran demanded sanctions relief and access to billions in frozen assets before nuclear negotiations, according to US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz. Waltz called the seven-day proposal a "cynical attempt" with unacceptable upfront conditions, noting seven UN Security Council resolutions bar Iran from nuclear weapons and IAEA referrals over inspection refusals. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi disputed Waltz's account, saying the ambassador hadn't read the plan. President Trump expressed confidence in winning the conflict soon, leaving open the possibility of military strikes before US midterm elections. Araghchi said Iran remains ready for diplomacy but fully prepared for renewed hostilities, demanding release of frozen assets and oil sale rights.