Iran nuclear standoff: mediators press Tehran as Trump rejects truce

International mediators are pushing Iran for nuclear concessions while Trump rejected a seven-day truce proposal.

Iran nuclear standoff: mediators press Tehran as Trump rejects truce — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told NBC that his country is "completely prepared for the resumption of war and for any aggression, even if it leads to a doomsday war." He added that "the choice is in President Trump's hands." [^1] The remark came as international mediators are today applying heavy pressure on Tehran to agree to a substantial concession on its nuclear program. [^2] The mediators are working to bring Tehran to present an achievement on the core issue Trump has set—denying Iran's ability to obtain nuclear weapons. [^2] Trump has already rejected an Iranian proposal for a seven-day truce, which included opening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the American naval blockade. [^1] According to an analysis, he shifted to a strategy of using US military power to harm Iran's economy, and sees the resumption of military strikes on Iran as a likely scenario after the midterm elections in November. [^1] The US president told Channel 12 that he is "expecting talks with Iran" but that "they have stretched the rope too much." [^1] The gap between the two sides remains wide: Tehran demands sanctions relief and a naval blockade lift, while Washington insists on full denuclearization. Araghchi's dual message—prepared for both war and diplomacy—reflects the internal debate in Tehran over how to respond to the US pressure campaign. [^1] Iran is preparing for a prolonged campaign, waiting for a response to its ceasefire proposal and demanding the release of $12 billion and the lifting of the siege. [^1] The question is whether the mediators can bridge the gap before the window for diplomacy closes. Opposition leaders sign joint document but disagree on PM candidate — Last night, Naftali Bennett, Yair Lapid, Yair Golan, Avigdor Lieberman, and Gadi Eisenkot gathered at Lapid's home in Tel Aviv and signed a 'joint principles document to replace the government'. [^1] The meeting signals an attempt to consolidate the anti-Netanyahu camp ahead of the October 27 election. But the Kan report notes that 'misunderstandings remained regarding the identity of the candidate for prime min