US and Iran Set for Another Round of Indirect Talks Monday as Trump Rejects Tehran's Hormuz Proposal but Leaves Door Open

President Donald Trump said on September 27, 2026, that he expects US negotiators to hold further indirect talks with Iran this week, with regional sources telling Axios that another round could take place as early as Monday, September 28, through Qatari mediators. Trump told Axios in a phone interview that Iran wants to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make, describing Tehran's latest proposal as something the US would have maybe agreed to a year ago and adding they overplayed their hand. The comment came one day after Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days in exchange for lifting sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and ending the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. According to Axios, citing sources familiar with the talks, Qatari mediators are expected to meet separately with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff as early as September 28, continuing shuttle diplomacy efforts that began during last week's UN General Assembly meetings in New York. The two sides remain far apart on key issues, with Iran focused on the Hormuz blockade and economic relief while the Trump administration is demanding nuclear concessions. US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told NBC News on September 27 that the recent Iranian proposal was a cynical attempt to put something on the table that they knew was unacceptable. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, also speaking to NBC on September 27, said Iran is fully prepared for the war to be resumed, even if it comes to a doomsday war, while simultaneously stating we stand ready for diplomacy. The talks come amid continued hostilities, with Riyadh schools switching to remote learning for one week after Saudi air defenses intercepted Houthi drones heading toward the capital on September 27, and as oil markets remain elevated due to ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told Axios he is always thinking a