Iran pitches 7-day plan to US to reopen strait

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming discussions on its nuclear program within seven days, contingent upon the United States lifting its naval blockade, waiving sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observing a ceasefire that would encompass Lebanon. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed this offer during a private meeting on Thursday, away from the U.N.

General Assembly in New York, according to an attendee. Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute think tank, who was present, stated that Araghchi suggested that a swift agreement would benefit U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections. However, no immediate response has been issued by Iran's U.N. mission or other Iranian officials.

The proposal closely mirrors the Memorandum of Understanding from June, yet with a faster timetable. The previous agreement, which stipulated a 60-day interim period, disintegrated as Iran recommenced assaults on shipping in the strait. President Trump has indicated he is not eager to reach a deal, despite soaring oil prices fueling inflation and heightening cost of living issues.

Concerns persist among Iran's hardliners who command the security forces regarding their willingness to accept concessions advanced by moderate figures, such as President Masoud Pezeshkian. "If Trump perceives this arrangement as advantageous, capable of delivering political gains before the midterms, and lowering gas prices, we might witness a level of flexibility absent in recent weeks," Parsi remarked.

Yet, he cautioned, "significant skepticism," particularly concerning the possibility that Iran might delay further oil exports, alleviating economic hardships. A recent indication of diplomatic progress is Pezeshkian's hosting of Qatar's prime minister early Friday. Qatar has been a crucial mediator, including during intermittent Iranian-U.S. talks at the U.N. this week.

It remains uncertain how long Pezeshkian and Araghchi will remain in the U.S. after Pezeshkian addresses the annual U.N. assembly of world leaders on Wednesday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed on Wednesday that "should there be an opportunity to exchange ideas and messages, we will."