Iran says Strait of Hormuz could reopen within seven days if US accepts deal

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday that his country is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, contingent upon the United States accepting Iran's terms. In exchange for Iran reopening the strait and resuming nuclear talks, Washington would reportedly lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waive sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and broker a ceasefire that would extend to Lebanon.

Araghchi disclosed these details to reporters during a break in the United Nations General Assembly in New York, as reported by the Associated Press. He emphasized that the seven-day countdown would commence immediately upon the U.S. agreeing to the proposal. Araghchi conveyed this offer to the U.S. through Qatar, according to the report.

While U.S. President Donald Trump has not formally responded to the proposal, he reportedly privately dismissed it, according to a Wall Street Journal account based on U.S. officials' statements. Instead, Trump is reportedly wagering on further escalation, including the possibility of another bombing campaign in Iran following the midterm elections in November, as per the same source.

On Friday night, Trump shared a map of the region on Truth Social, retitling the Strait of Hormuz as the "Trump Strait." The Strait of Hormuz is a vital pathway for global oil and natural gas supplies, and has long been a contentious issue since the U.S. and Israel initiated their military campaign against Iran in February.