Middle East conflict: Iran says discussing plan with mediators to end war, reopen Hormuz; UAE’s Gargash urges restraint

TEHRAN: Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed on Wednesday that Tehran is engaging with mediators to craft a plan aimed at concluding the Middle East conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. Despite being fully prepared to protect the nation, Iran is maintaining optimism for diplomacy's potential success, according to Araghchi's statement on social media platform X. He emphasized Iran's ongoing dialogue with intermediaries to explore feasible approaches to execute the 7-Day Plan, potentially less than a week.

The comments emerge amidst escalating threats from the US and Israel of renewed aggression against Iran following the initiation of the war in February. In September, Iran presented a seven-day plan to the US via Qatar, wherein Hormuz's reopening within seven days was contingent upon meeting necessary conditions, including a Middle East ceasefire. Iran has also demanded the unfreezing of its assets overseas, lifting sanctions on its oil sector, and the cessation of the US naval blockade.

Recent reports indicate that regional mediators, led by Qatar, are striving for a diplomatic agreement to restore US-Iran talks and forestall the resurgence of war post the US midterm elections on November 3. The proposed deal reportedly seeks Iran's consent for UN inspectors to inspect its damaged nuclear facilities in exchange for some US sanctions relief.

A Qatari delegation conversed with Iran on Sunday to review progress, encompassing recent negotiations, Hormuz, and energy supplies, according to Iran. Diplomatic endeavors to resolve the crisis have remained impeded, particularly following the June deal collapse that outlined a roadmap for a lasting settlement.