Updated

Iran and the United States continued indirect negotiations through Qatari mediators over reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear program, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting mediators repeatedly and Iran awaiting Washington's 'final response.' President Trump publicly rejected Iran's proposal to reopen Hormuz within seven days and denied reports (from Axios) that his administration offered Tehran sanctions relief and frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions, calling the story a 'hoax.' Iran's foreign ministry said only negotiation could end the conflict and that Tehran awaited an official rejection, while officials described the first direct US-Iran contacts since a June ceasefire collapsed. Tensions were compounded by defiant rhetoric from Iranian leadership: Supreme Leader Khamenei declared the US would be forced out of the Middle East and out of the Arabian Sea after 'painful blows,' while President Pezeshkian told the UN Iran would never 'bend the knee' after Trump threatened to 'annihilate' Iran. US Central Command publicly disputed an IRGC claim of 'complete control' over the Strait of Hormuz, and Iraq reported oil flows continuing despite the standoff. The dispute underscores the fragile, high-stakes diplomatic effort to prevent renewed war.