Washington, 28 April (H.S.): US President Donald Trump on Monday held a meeting with his national security team to examine Iran’s latest proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow but strategically vital waterway through which a significant share of the world’s oil supply passes.

The discussion came as the Trump administration maintained pressure on Tehran amid a five-week conflict and continuing diplomatic manoeuvring over the reopening of the chokepoint

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White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said the president was actively reviewing Iran’s latest offer but declined to preview the outcome of the talks, saying any announcement would come directly from Trump.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, told Fox News that Iranian negotiators appeared serious about reaching a deal, though he argued that internal divisions inside the Iranian system were complicating the process.

Iran’s reported proposal, according to ABC News fell short of Washington’s red lines even as it signalled an apparent willingness to negotiate further.

Rubio framed the challenge as both geopolitical and ideological, saying Iranian officials must negotiate not only with the United States but also with rival factions inside their own government before any agreement can hold.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, and any disruption there can quickly ripple through global oil markets. That makes Trump’s handling of the Iran file especially consequential, with the White House balancing military pressure, diplomatic signalling, and market-sensitive messaging.

Trump has also been visibly centring himself in the broader 2026 political calendar, with reports showing him campaigning heavily for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections. Even while dealing with foreign policy crises, the president has positioned himself as the dominant force in his party’s electoral strategy.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar