Trump Signals Iran Sanctions Could Be Lifted in Talks.

Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, saying the terms were unacceptable. He told Axios on Sunday he expects new talks with Iran this week.

• Iran's proposal set a seven-day timeline, conditioned on ending the U.S. blockade and lifting oil sanctions.
• 22 million barrels of oil transited the strait on Friday night, a U.S. defense official confirmed.
• Brent crude fell to roughly $104.50 a barrel Friday after Iran's proposal was announced.
• 146 countries condemned Iran's attacks on civilian shipping, according to U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz.

Why it matters: The strait is the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint. Its effective closure since February has driven global energy prices sharply higher and rattled shipping markets.

• Midterm elections are weeks away; polls show high gas prices are a top concern for American voters.
• Andreas Krieg, associate professor at King's College London, said Iran's maritime attacks spread conflict costs beyond its own borders and warned further escalation is likely.

How 55 sources split on this story

Where they split: The two sides disagree on sequence: Iran wants the blockade and sanctions lifted first; the U.S. demands Iran abandon its nuclear program before any relief.

What’s next: Qatari mediators have presented a compromise text to both sides and are expected to meet separately with U.S. and Iranian officials Monday.

• Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iran awaits an official response through mediators and remains open to talks.
• Whether Qatari mediators can bridge the gap between Iran's blockade-first demand and the U.S. nuclear-first position.
• Whether Trump will authorize resumed strikes if talks stall, given his statement that he is 'always thinking about it.'
• How much of the oil-transit data from each side accurately reflects conditions in the strait.