Iran Awaits US Stance on Strait of Hormuz Reopening Amid Qatari Diplomatic Push

Iran is awaiting a response from the United States regarding its plan to partially reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar facilitating the exchange of messages. Tehran has indicated that a final agreement is contingent upon Washington's reply.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, informed Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly News Agency (ICANA) on Sunday that a recent delegation's visit to Doha was aimed at advancing these discussions. He noted that no definitive outcome has been achieved, as Iran is still awaiting answers to its questions from the U.S.

"Consultations are ongoing, but we have not yet reached a definitive result because this result depends on the answers the opposing side gives to our questions," Araghchi told ICANA. Reports also suggest Iranian negotiators are in Doha for Qatar-mediated talks intended to end the conflict with the U.S.

In a separate interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi described recent U.S. engagement as a "positive step" in back-channel diplomatic talks, but stated that Iran currently sees no necessity for direct communication with Washington. He confirmed that Iran has reduced its initial seven-day proposal for reopening the strait to a two-day timeframe, provided its fundamental conditions are met.

Qatar continues its active role in mediating between Iran and the U.S., aiming to bridge differences and find common ground to avert a broader regional escalation. This diplomatic initiative in Doha is occurring shortly before a U.S. strike moratorium is set to expire on November 3.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a lack of urgency, telling reporters on Saturday that Washington is "in no hurry" concerning Iran. His comments followed reports of a recent conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as the U.S. considers its military options and the possibility of renewed strikes amidst the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza.

Despite the mediation, Araghchi cautioned that Iran is prepared for further escalation should negotiations falter. He emphasized the strength of Iran’s armed forces and their readiness to face any scenario, drawing on lessons from recent military confrontations. "The Islamic Republic of Iran remains simultaneously ready for defence and diplomacy," Araghchi stated to ICANA. "Which path the Americans choose depends on their rationality."