Washington, DC – In a political development reflecting Washington’s determination to extract comprehensive strategic concessions, sources familiar with the matter told CNN that US President Donald Trump has indicated to his advisors that he does not intend to accept the latest Iranian proposal.
The Iranian offer aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping in exchange for postponing issues related to its nuclear program and uranium enrichment to later rounds of negotiations. However, it appears to have been met with a cool reception at the White House.
National Security Meeting: Red Lines
Two sources familiar with the matter said Trump made his position clear during a high-level meeting on Monday with senior national security officials. U.S. officials believe that agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without resolving contentious issues, such as Iran’s stockpile of near-weapon-grade uranium, would mean Washington losing its most important bargaining chip. Furthermore, the administration would lose this leverage for the time being to compel Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
White House: “The red lines are clear.”
For her part, White House spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt confirmed at a press conference on Monday, May 28, 2026, that the Iranian proposal had indeed been discussed that morning, but declined to speculate on the president’s or national security team’s decisions.
Leavitt stated firmly, “President Trump’s red lines regarding the Iranian regime are very clear, and they have been made clear not only to the American people but also to officials in Tehran.”
Levitt clarified that simply raising the issue at the meeting did not mean the US administration was considering accepting it. She also emphasized that the US approach remained consistent in its priorities.
Nuclear power takes priority over navigation.
These developments come after Trump cancelled a planned trip for his representatives, Steve Whitaker and Jared Kushner, to Islamabad to negotiate with the Iranian side (Iraqi).
Trump has repeatedly stated that the ultimate goal of his negotiations is not merely securing shipping lanes, but ensuring that the Iranian government is definitively prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
According to observers, Washington considers a naval blockade and economic pressure indispensable tools until a comprehensive nuclear agreement is reached. Furthermore, the agreement must guarantee the security of the region and US allies.
