Former US President Donald Trump said on 27 September 2026 that he expects further indirect talks with Iran to resume in the coming week, despite having rejected Tehran’s latest seven-day truce proposal offered during the UN General Assembly week in New York.
Trump declined Iran’s offer, which reportedly involved reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and restarting nuclear negotiations within seven days in exchange for the United States lifting a naval blockade, easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and agreeing to a regional ceasefire.
“They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make,” Trump said, adding, “They have made a proposal and I rejected it.” Although he dismissed the truce plan, he confirmed ongoing communication with Iran, stating simply, “I expect more talks with Iran (this week).”
The indirect negotiations involved US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the UN gathering. Witkoff described the talks as “lengthy” and expressed hope that the discussions would be “constructive and promising.” Araghchi emphasised Iran’s conditions, saying, “Our conditions are clear, and any move toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon these conditions being fulfilled.”
Since 22 September, mediators have shuttled between Washington and Tehran in an attempt to bridge stark differences over sequencing concessions. Iran demands that sanctions relief and the lifting of the naval blockade precede broader negotiations. Conversely, the Trump administration appears unwilling to ease sanctions without firm guarantees on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The delicate impasse holds broader significance. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route for energy supplies. Any disruption or blockade has immediate consequences for the global oil market and, by extension, South African fuel prices and regional security.
While multiple credible outlets – including Reuters, France 24, Axios, and CGTN – confirm the core facts on these talks, some details remain unverified. Notably, it is unclear if a formal naval blockade currently exists as reported or if air strikes against Iran might resume. Furthermore, the exact timing of the next round of talks remains open, with indirect discussions reportedly possible as early as Monday but not officially confirmed.
This evolving diplomatic effort underscores a high-stakes standoff between Washington and Tehran where both sides publicly reject each other’s terms yet signal willingness to engage further.
Cape Flats News will continue monitoring new developments and will report further updates on the next stage of US-Iran negotiations as details emerge.