Stalemate Persists in US-Iran Indirect Talks Over Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Program

Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran continue via Qatari mediators on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, though the two nations remain deeply divided over the negotiation agenda. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed New York after stating he expects an official response to Tehran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The proposal dictates that the strait would be reopened within seven days in exchange for Washington lifting its naval blockade, waiving sanctions, releasing approximately $12bn in frozen Iranian assets, and enforcing a wider regional ceasefire. United States President Donald Trump has publicly rejected the offer, though Araghchi maintains that Tehran has not yet received a formal response through mediators.

While US media outlets reported potential willingness from President Trump to relax sanctions in exchange for concessions on Iran's nuclear program, the US president strongly denied these reports on Truth Social. US officials emphasize that Washington seeks a comprehensive deal addressing all outstanding issues simultaneously rather than a gradual approach.

During talks in New York, Qatari mediators met with Araghchi to discuss advancing the proposal. Araghchi insisted discussions focused solely on the Strait of Hormuz and that Tehran's foundational position remains unchanged. Meanwhile, analysts warn that the deep distrust between Washington and Tehran, compounded by economic warfare and the contested closure of the strategic waterway, leaves both nations locked in a dangerous diplomatic limbo.