00:00U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hamus
00:06within a week if the U.S. meets certain conditions.
00:09Speaking to reporters outside the White House, Trump said,
00:12quote, I am rejecting their deal.
00:14They want to make a deal where they open the straits immediately because they're losing so badly.
00:20Earlier media reports citing U.S. officials reported that Trump told aides that he expected
00:26to resume a bombing campaign against Iran after the U.S. midterm elections in November.
00:32His response comes after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi said on Friday,
00:38the strait can be reopened and normal maritime traffic can resume within seven days if the
00:43necessary conditions are met. Arachi added it would be better if an agreement with Washington
00:49were reached before the U.S. midterm elections.
00:52The Strait of Hamus has been at the heart of tensions between Washington and Tehran since
00:58late February. Iran effectively closed the strait after the U.S. and Israel attacked the Islamic
01:04Republic and the number of ships passing through has dropped significantly because of Iranian threats
01:11and attacks on vessels in the waterway.
