Exclusive | Trump Rejects Iran Ceasefire, Expects Renewed Bombing After Midterms - WSJ

President Donald Trump has turned down a proposal from Iran that called for a seven‑day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran‑backed forces. The ceasefire offer, presented by Tehran, was intended to pause hostilities while diplomatic channels were explored.

According to statements made to senior White House aides, the president rejected the ceasefire on Friday, citing strategic considerations. The decision was communicated directly to close advisors, indicating that the administration does not intend to pause its military campaign at this time.

The rejection comes ahead of the United States’ midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November. Officials close to the president indicated that the timing of the elections is a factor in the decision, with the administration planning to resume bombing operations after the vote.

U.S. officials have signaled that, following the midterms, air strikes and other forms of kinetic action will be reinstated against targets associated with Iran’s regional proxies. No specific timeline for the renewed operations has been disclosed, but the expectation is that they will commence shortly after the election results are finalized.

The move underscores the administration’s stance that a temporary pause in hostilities is not aligned with its broader objectives in the region, and that military pressure will continue to be a central element of U.S. policy toward Iran and its allies.