US-Iran indirect talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain stalled after President Trump rejected Iran's late-September proposal for a phased arrangement that would lift the US naval blockade and ease sanctions in exchange for resumed navigation. The offer, discussed via Qatari and other mediators on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, echoed elements of a collapsed June memorandum of understanding but included a faster timeline tied to November midterms. Washington has conditioned further progress on Iranian nuclear concessions, while Tehran maintains it will not reopen the waterway until its core demands are met. A US military buildup, including deployment of additional carrier groups, and continued enforcement of the blockade have heightened pressure on both sides ahead of potential post-election developments.