US President Donald Trump has rejected Iran's proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cites US officials. According to the same publication, Trump has told his associates that he considers a resumption of US bombing against Iran possible after the November midterm elections. Reuters notes that it was not possible to independently confirm the newspaper's information.
Tehran had forwarded to Washington, via Qatar, a "specific" seven-day plan, which, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghi, could lead to the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and a cessation of hostilities in the region.
"The choice is now in the hands of the United States," Aragchi said at the United Nations headquarters. The Iranian plan provides, among other things, for the lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports, the release of frozen Iranian funds and exemptions from sanctions on oil exports.
At the same time, an Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran does not intend to make concessions on its nuclear program, even in the event of an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz.
Alarm in Saudi Arabia for missiles and drones
At the same time, tensions are spreading in Saudi Arabia, where the Saudi-led coalition said it had intercepted two Houthi ballistic missiles and two drones in the early hours of Saturday.
According to the relevant announcement, the missiles were heading towards the Hamis Musait area, while the two drones were aimed at Riyadh. The Saudi Civil Defense had issued warnings overnight for the areas of Hamish Moussait and Abha.
The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have stepped up their attacks in recent weeks against Saudi cities, energy facilities and maritime targets, creating another front in the wider Middle East conflict.
A member of the movement's political bureau, Hizam Alassad, warned that the latest operations were only a "small rehearsal" in the face of a wider escalation.
Of particular concern is the possibility of attacks on the holy cities of Islam. Pakistani Prime Minister Shabaz Sharif said from the floor of the UN General Assembly that any attack on Mecca or Medina would be a "red line" for Islamabad.
Emergency military coordination in Riyadh
In this climate, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan are intensifying their military coordination within the framework of the joint defense agreement that provides that an armed attack against one of the three states is considered an attack against all.
The military chiefs of the three countries met in Riyadh, discussing threats against Saudi Arabia, as well as issues of intelligence sharing, military coordination and cooperation of the armed forces.
France is also moving on Riyadh's side. President Emmanuel Macron has announced that Paris will send military personnel and defense systems to Saudi Arabia, with the aim of protecting Yanbu in the Red Sea, key to the kingdom's energy exports.
