US, Iran separately talk with mediators in latest bid to end war

The United States and Iran have separately engaged in talks with mediators as part of an ongoing effort to bring an end to the seven-month-long conflict, according to officials from both nations. These future discussions are anticipated to center around an adjusted version of Iran's seven-day proposal, which was introduced last week at the United Nations General Assembly, as per an official familiar with the negotiations.

The conflict erupted in late February following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, resulting in thousands of casualties over a period of seven months, which had a significant impact on global markets, particularly in relation to the flow of oil through critical waterways. The US and Iran have attempted to cease hostilities through mediated peace talks twice previously, in April and June, but these agreements were short-lived.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who remained in New York after attending the General Assembly, expressed Iran's expectation to receive a response from the US regarding its latest ceasefire proposals and its conditions for reinstating the passage of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by state news agency IRNA.

Araqchi stated, "If the Americans claim they are seeking an agreement or a peaceful solution, we have presented that solution." On the other hand, US President Donald Trump spoke with mediators separately on Monday, without disclosing further details to the press. Reuters reported that Iran's seven-day plan encompasses the cessation of all hostilities in Iran and Lebanon, the release of billions of dollars' worth of frozen Iranian assets, the removal of sanctions on Iranian oil, and the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports.

Following the implementation of these measures, Iran would permit the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for oil tankers, and the two parties would resume discussions on Iran's nuclear program and Trump's interest in acquiring or eliminating its enriched uranium. President Trump had rejected Iran's proposal on Saturday, citing the country's urgency due to severe economic pressures.

However, he also informed Axios on Sunday that he anticipated US negotiators to participate in additional talks this week. Araqchi stated on Sunday that mediators had not explicitly communicated a US rejection and that Iran awaited Washington's final position before determining its subsequent actions. He emphasized that Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz were contingent upon the fulfillment of these outlined requirements, asserting that only a negotiated solution could resolve the current impasse.