The maintenance of a strict naval blockade on Iranian ports remains a central pillar of Washington's strategy to force Tehran into a nuclear agreement, according to U.S. officials. President Donald Trump has rejected a seven-day ceasefire proposal from Iran and informed advisers that military strikes are likely to resume after the November midterm elections, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Trump is privately skeptical that Iran will meet his demands regarding its nuclear program and believes continued economic pressure will eventually force Tehran into terms that favor Washington and Gulf allies.

The Iranian offer sought the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a return to nuclear negotiations in exchange for sanctions relief and the lifting of the naval blockade. While the conflict has reached 209 days, U.S. officials say the presence of naval escorts for tankers through the strait has reduced the urgency of a diplomatic deal. Trump is reportedly avoiding major combat operations in the immediate term to preserve dwindling munitions for other contingencies, though this position could shift in the coming weeks.