Iran’s Araghchi meets Qatari mediators as US calls for nuclear talks

US and Iranian officials engaged in separate negotiations with mediators on Monday in a renewed attempt to resolve the ongoing seven-month conflict, according to officials from both nations. Subsequent discussions are anticipated to revolve around an updated version of Iran's seven-day proposal, disclosed last week during the United Nations General Assembly, according to a source familiar with the negotiations.

The conflict ignited in late February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, resulting in thousands of casualties and significantly impacting global markets due to the disruption of crucial oil shipping lanes. The US and Iran had previously mutually agreed to ceasefires during mediated peace talks in April and June, but these agreements were short-lived.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who stayed in New York after participating in the General Assembly, indicated that Iran anticipated a US response to its latest ceasefire proposals and the conditions for resuming maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by the state news agency IRNA. Araqchi emphasized that if the United States is genuinely seeking an agreement or peaceful resolution, Iran has presented that proposal.

On the other hand, US officials also conversed with mediators on Monday, as reported by US President Donald Trump during a press conference at the White House, although no additional details were provided. Iran's seven-day plan encompasses ending all hostilities in Iran and Lebanon, releasing billions of dollars' worth of frozen Iranian assets, lifting sanctions on Iranian oil, and lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports.

Following this, Iran would permit the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial pathway for oil tankers, and the two parties would resume discussions on Iran's nuclear program and President Trump's desire to seize or destroy its highly enriched uranium. Trump expressed on Saturday that he had declined Iran's proposal, citing Iran's eagerness for a swift resolution due to the severe economic strain it faces.

However, Trump also informed Axios on Sunday that he anticipated US negotiators to continue discussions this week. Araqchi stated on Sunday that mediators had not formally communicated a US rejection, and that Iran is awaiting Washington's definitive stance before deciding its next steps. He reiterated that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz hinge on these conditions being met, asserting that only a negotiated solution can resolve the impasse.