Iran offers US seven-day roadmap to reopen Hormuz and end the war
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has revealed that Tehran sent Washington a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks within seven days if the US lifts its naval blockade and oil sanctions. News of the talks has already pushed oil prices down.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a private gathering on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that Tehran has sent Washington a new proposal, through intermediaries, aimed at ending the war, the Associated Press reported.
Under the plan, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program within seven days, provided the US meets several conditions: lifting its naval blockade, waiving oil sanctions, and observing a ceasefire that also covers Lebanon. According to Araghchi, if the conditions are met, the strait would reopen by the end of the seventh day, with negotiations restarting at that point. The AP noted the terms closely resemble a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Iran and the US in June, which later collapsed.
Officials in Tehran, particularly military hardliners who appear to be at odds with the civilian leadership, have not commented on the details of the proposal. Meanwhile, oil prices dropped as news of renewed US-Iran negotiations spread, with Brent crude falling to $105 a barrel.
Criticism of Europe and Qatari mediation
On Friday, Araghchi met with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, accusing "certain European nations" of "destructive and irresponsible" conduct and of supporting and being complicit in what he called US and Israeli "military aggression" that has caused severe damage to Iran, the region and the world.
The same day, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, as Qatar continues mediating between the US and Iran, including facilitating indirect talks between the two sides at the UN this week. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the leaders discussed regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue.
Danny Citrinowicz, former head of Israel's military intelligence research department, wrote on X that Tehran appears to sense a political opening in Washington, given the approaching US midterm elections and President Trump's incentive to lower oil prices. However, he cautioned that Iran's stance should not be mistaken for a genuine strategic retreat.
