Iran Proposes Seven-Day Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Indirect US Talks

Iran has presented a proposal to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, with Qatar acting as a mediator at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Speaking on the sidelines, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the timeline could commence immediately once Washington accepts the terms. While both sides acknowledged the positive nature of the indirect communications facilitated by Qatar, neither indicated a major diplomatic breakthrough as the conflict nears its seven-month mark.

Analysts note that a lasting peace agreement remains difficult, as Iran continues to favor an approach that grants it and Oman primary control over the strait before addressing broader peace terms. Meanwhile, the US maintains that it is in total control of the waterway and insists that Iran's nuclear program must be negotiated immediately.

Iran previously stated it will not engage in wider peace talks or address its nuclear program until the US naval blockade around the strait is lifted, sanctions are removed, and guarantees against further strikes are provided.

Araghchi explained that the proposal resembles the June 17 memorandum of understanding signed by Iran and the US, which temporarily de-escalated the conflict. Under that previous agreement, Iran permitted ships to pass without tolls for 60 days to allow space for peace negotiations.

Experts, including Urban Coningham from the Royal United Services Institute, suggest that Tehran views control of the strait as essential for economic recovery following the war. Furthermore, making the offer publicly during the UN meetings places political pressure on Donald Trump regarding high fuel prices and the upcoming midterm elections.

However, uncertainty remains over whether the Trump administration will accept the proposed sequencing of talks, especially given differing positions on the nuclear file and ongoing economic pressure from US sanctions.