Iran offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in 7 days: 3 conditions it has set for Trump | Today’s news
Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program within seven days if the United States lifts a naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales and abides by a ceasefire involving Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the proposal during a private meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, the AP reported, citing an attendee.
Iran’s proposal comes at a time when diplomatic efforts to end the war with the US are intensifying and the Strait of Hormuz breach is putting pressure on global energy markets.
Iran links reopening of Hormuz to nuclear talks
The Strait of Hormuz is an important global energy hub. Before the war, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passed through waterways.
Iran’s disruption of shipping through the strait has emerged as one of Tehran’s main sources of leverage in its confrontation with the United States.
Iran’s UN mission and other Iranian officials did not immediately comment on the proposal.
The proposal is reminiscent of the failed June agreement
The latest proposal is said to be similar to the memorandum of understanding reached in June, but with a significantly accelerated timeline.
The earlier agreement had envisaged a 60-day transition period, but it quickly collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States and Iran have since accused each other of violating the June accord, contributing to deep mistrust between the two sides.
The White House says talks with mediators are positive
The White House said Friday that U.S. officials were engaged in “positive and constructive” talks with mediators about the Iran war, the AP reported.
The diplomatic push comes after repeated attempts to reach a deal failed, with both sides remaining deeply suspicious of each other’s intentions.
The US and Israel also launched attacks on Iran while Tehran was engaged in nuclear negotiations, further complicating efforts to resume talks.
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Qatar Mediation
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hosted Qatar’s prime minister early Friday morning in another sign of renewed diplomatic activity.
Qatar played a key role in mediating between Tehran and Washington, including during several hours of indirect Iran-US talks at the UN this week.
Pezeshkian also indicated during his speech at the UN that Iran remains open to diplomacy.
Lebanese ceasefire included, conflict in Yemen unclear
Iran’s proposal would include Lebanon, where Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have largely maintained a ceasefire.
However, it remains unclear whether the proposal would also apply to the renewed conflict involving Yemen’s Iran-backed and Saudi-backed Houthi rebels.
The Houthi attacks have increased pressure on global shipping and energy markets, with the rebels threatening another major sea strait – the Bab el-Mandeb Strait at the southern end of the Red Sea.
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