Iran Awaits U.S. Response on Revised Hormuz Plan After Qatar Talks Conclude

An Iranian delegation has concluded its visit to Qatar, with Tehran now awaiting a response from the United States regarding its revised proposal for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Diplomatic exchanges are reportedly continuing through Qatar, which, along with Pakistan, is facilitating indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.

The core of the discussions revolves around a new Iranian proposal designed to expedite the restoration of maritime traffic through the vital waterway. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Monday that the visit by Deputy Foreign Ministry Kazem Gharibabadi to Doha was aimed at enhancing communication with the mediators. He confirmed that message exchanges between the involved parties are ongoing, as reported by Iran’s state news agency IRNA. Baghaei characterized Iran's proposal as a practical initiative still on the table, noting that Tehran has already conveyed its demands to Washington.

An official familiar with the discussions indicated to Reuters that the delegation's departure from Qatar was not indicative of any negotiation setbacks. This source also mentioned that a draft proposal is currently being circulated, though specific details were not disclosed.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi elaborated to Al Jazeera that the revised proposal significantly shortens the timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz from seven days to just two, contingent upon Washington meeting Tehran's conditions. Suggestions from Doha to accelerate this timeline were also acknowledged by Araghchi. Iran had initially presented a seven-step proposal during the United Nations General Assembly in September, which U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly rejected. The initial plan stipulated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on the sixth day if Iran's conditions were met, with negotiations resuming on the seventh.

Under the revised framework, Washington would be required to implement a series of measures on the first day, allowing maritime traffic to resume its normal state by the second day. Despite these intensive diplomatic efforts in Doha, an agreement has yet to be reached, with Tehran stating it is awaiting Washington's response to questions raised during the consultations.