IRAN is still in a “war situation,” the country’s military said today as the Strait of Hormuz remained a major sticking point in negotiations.

The Trump administration appeared uninterested in accepting Iran’s offer to end the war and reopen the waterway if the US lifts its blockade on the country.

Iran’s proposal also would postpone discussions on its nuclear programme, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ruled that out, saying: “We have to ensure that any deal that is made … is one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”

The White House said that US President Donald Trump’s national security team discussed the offer, which was delivered by Pakistan, and Mr Trump would address it later.

The offer emerged Monday as Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Russia.

Mr Trump claimed on social media that Iran had “just” informed the US that it is in a “state of collapse,” claiming: “They want us to ‘open the Hormuz Strait,’ as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation.”

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about who on the Iranian side delivered the message, who in the Republican administration received it and whether the communications were conducted directly with the US or through an intermediary.

Meanwhile, Gulf leaders convened for the first time in person today in Saudi Arabia since their countries came under retaliatory attack.

Iran has targeted key energy infrastructure in all six GCC states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE — with US-linked interests, civilian and military infrastructure also targeted.

Qatar said that the Strait of Hormuz should not be used as a pressure card and warned against the possibility of a “frozen conflict.”

United Nations general assembly president Annalena Baerbock said urgent efforts to secure a ceasefire in the war on Iran are critical.

During a visit to New Delhi, Ms Baerbock warned the conflict is disrupting global supplies and deepening regional crises, with attacks and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz increasing oil and fertiliser prices worldwide.

“Every effort to come to a ceasefire is highly needed,” she said, adding that the escalation is diverting attention from humanitarian crises in Gaza.