US and Iran to Resume Indirect Talks September 28 Despite Hormuz Deal Rejection

The United States and Iran are set to hold another round of indirect talks on September 28, 2026, mediated by Qatar, despite President Trump's rejection of Iran's latest proposal. Trump told Axios on September 27 that he expects more talks with Iran this week, stating: "They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand." When asked about resuming strikes against Iran, Trump said: "I am always thinking about it."

Iran had proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within a week, conditional on the United States lifting its naval blockade, removing sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and restoring a regional ceasefire. The proposal aligned with a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in June. Trump rejected the offer on Saturday, claiming the US already had "total control" of the strait and that Iran wanted to reopen it because "they're losing so badly."

Despite Trump's public rejection, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Sunday that Iran remains committed to a negotiated solution. In a Telegram post, Araghchi acknowledged Trump's rejection but stated Iran would await a "definitive" official US response through mediators. He noted that Trump had made contradictory statements in the past. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told CBS that Iran was open to implementing the June memorandum in stages and called on the US to demonstrate it does not intend to overthrow Iran's government.

On September 28, Qatari mediators will hold separate meetings with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Previous negotiations between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Araghchi took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 24. It remains unclear whether the sides will be able to overcome their existing differences during the talks.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's gas and oil supply typically flows, has been effectively closed since the outbreak of war in February. The Trump administration has imposed an economic blockade on Iran dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast," with the White House attempting to use economic pressure to force Tehran to cease attacks on vessels in the waterway. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker characterized Iran's proposal as "half measures" and "illusory deals," backing Trump's rejection.