Archive · 28 Sep 2026
US and Iran Clash Over Terms for Restarting Truce Talks
The United States and Iran disagree about how to restart peace talks.
Iran proposed lifting sanctions, releasing frozen money, and ending a naval blockade.
Iran said these steps would help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz said Iran was asking for too much before negotiations even began.
He also said President Donald Trump does not trust Iran to keep its promises.
Trump rejected the plan and said Iran wanted an agreement because it was losing badly.
Iran’s foreign minister said the requests were rights, not unreasonable demands.
He also criticized what he called old and unproved American accusations.
Even though both sides sound doubtful, Trump said talks might begin soon.
US Ambassador Mike Waltz said Iran demanded sanctions relief, access to frozen assets, and an end to the naval blockade before talks resumed.
President Donald Trump rejected the proposal, saying Iranian leaders wanted a deal because they were losing badly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the requested measures reflected Iran’s rights and were linked to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi criticized what he called old, unproved US accusations and expressed doubt about returning to diplomacy with the current administration.
Trump said negotiations could resume in the coming week, while Axios reported indirect talks might begin as early as Monday.
- Who
- The governments of the United States and Iran, including President Donald Trump, Ambassador Mike Waltz, and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- What
- The United States rejected an Iranian truce proposal, while both sides discussed possibly restarting indirect negotiations.
- When
- Iran announced the proposal last week; negotiations could resume in the coming week, possibly as early as Monday.
- Where
- The dispute concerns negotiations between the United States and Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
- Why
- The United States said Iran demanded major concessions before talks, while Iran said the measures were its rights and were needed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
United States Position
Iran Position
Conditions for restarting talks
United States Position
The United States says Iran demanded sanctions relief, access to frozen assets, and an end to the naval blockade before negotiations even restarted.
Iran Position
Iran says these measures represent its rights and are conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trust and credibility
United States Position
Mike Waltz said Donald Trump lacks confidence that Iran will honor its commitments because of previous negotiations.
Iran Position
Abbas Araghchi rejected what he described as old, unproved accusations and criticized the United States’ conduct over the past two years.
Prospects for diplomacy
United States Position
Donald Trump said Iran wants a deal and indicated that negotiations could resume soon, while keeping all options available.
Iran Position
Abbas Araghchi said there was little reason to return to diplomacy with the current administration, although he acknowledged that hope for diplomacy remained.
- US explanation
- Mike Waltz said Iran sought sanctions relief, access to billions in frozen assets, and an end to the naval blockade before talks resumed.
- Trump’s position
- Donald Trump rejected the proposal and said Iranian leaders wanted a deal because they were losing badly.
- Iranian proposal
- Iran called for the release of frozen assets, the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil, and an end to the US naval blockade.
- Key waterway
- The Strait of Hormuz is described as a major energy-shipping chokepoint and a central issue in the confrontation.
- Iranian response
- Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s demands were rights that should be respected and criticized old, unproved US accusations.
- Talks outlook
- Trump said negotiations could resume in the coming week; Axios reported indirect talks could occur as early as Monday.
- Conflict timeline
- The articles say the conflict began nearly seven months ago after United States and Israeli strikes against Iran.
