Trump rejects Tehran's latest proposal. France enters the negotiation line

US sources said that US President Donald Trump is likely to reject Iran's latest proposal on the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, ruling out any imminent breakthrough in the negotiations, despite the diplomatic momentum that is taking place behind the scenes.

CNN quoted   US sources as saying that Trump presented his vision to senior national security officials after receiving a new Iranian proposal to end the war, but the same sources confirmed that Trump's acceptance of this proposal is "unlikely", especially since it does not address the nuclear enrichment file, which Washington considers pivotal.

In the same context, US sources said in leaks published by the media late on Monday night that Trump is  not satisfied with the Iranian proposal because he is ignoring the nuclear program, while US administration officials believe  that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without addressing the  nuclear file  may withdraw from Washington one of the most important tools of pressure in the negotiations.

However, CNN notes  that unannounced channels of communication between the two sides continue, with mediators focusing on drafting a interim agreement that would restore the situation to what it was before the outbreak of the war, noting that the coming days are "very decisive" in determining the fate of these efforts, although a second round of direct talks has not yet been held in Pakistan.

In addition, Iranian sources say that Tehran's proposal is based on postponing the nuclear discussion until after the cessation of the war and resolving disputes related to navigation in the Gulf, which is rejected by Washington, which insists on including the nuclear file from the first moment.

Pakistani mediators say the rapprochement efforts are still underway, despite dashing hopes after Trump canceled a visit to Islamabad by his special envoy Steve Whitkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Iran: Postponement of nuclear negotiations, imposition of transit fees in Hormuz

The  New York Times quoted three Iranian officials as saying that the new proposal handed over to Pakistan by Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi places the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade at the forefront of the steps required to end the war, with the nuclear negotiations moving to a later stage. 

The newspaper adds that Iran has informed the intermediaries of its intention to invest financially in the strait after its reopening, either by imposing transit fees or providing services to oil tankers.

Tehran wants to return to the negotiating table because the economic situation is "unsustainable," amid fears that basic food stocks will run out within weeks,  the newspaper said, explaining that the Iranian government  has already begun implementing contingency plans that include transporting goods by land through Pakistan and Turkey, and shipping limited quantities from Russia through the Caspian Sea.

In the same context, Axios reported  that Iran has put forward a proposal through Pakistani mediators to reopen the strait and end the war, while postponing the nuclear file, while the White House only confirmed that these are "sensitive diplomatic discussions," and that Washington will not negotiate through the media and will only accept an agreement that serves its interests and prevents Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Rubio: Iran is using an "economic nuclear weapon"

 U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepped up his tone, saying the straits have become an "economic nuclear weapon" that Iran is using against the world.

 Rubio said in a statement that the hardline movement still holds the de facto power inside Iran, warning of growing internal tension amid the uncertainty surrounding the top leadership.

 Rubio said the division within Tehran's power pyramid was the "biggest obstacle" to any deal, noting that the new Supreme Leader has not yet appeared in public and has not yet been tested, raising questions within the structure of the regime.

US Treasury: "Economic anger" continues

Amid economic pressures, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said companies that provide services to Iranian airlines could face sanctions as part of an "economic outrage" operation.

 The US secretary of  state called on foreign governments to prevent the provision of any services to Iranian planes, from fuel to maintenance, stressing that Washington will take action against any party that facilitates dealing with Iranian entities.

France enters the negotiation line

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Iran should be prepared to make "significant concessions" in negotiations with the United States aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.

"There can be no lasting solution to this crisis unless the Iranian regime agrees to make significant concessions and make a radical shift in its position," Barrow said in a speech to the UN Security Council.

He stressed that Tehran must chart a path for "peaceful coexistence within its region, and for the Iranian people to be able to build their future freely."

Ships defy US blockade

Despite the naval blockade, shipping data showed that most of the ships that have crossed the Strait of Hormuz over the past days have used the route set by the Iranian authorities, and that half of them were loaded from Iranian ports.

 Naval intelligence firm Kepler said 17 ships crossed the strait between Friday and Sunday, including four large oil tankers, while others continued to load from Iranian or Emirati ports, in a clear defiance of U.S. restrictions.