{
  "id": 9677165,
  "title": "U.S., Iran said to be exploring phased deal to open Hormuz",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/u-s-iran-said-to-be-exploring-phased-deal-to-open-hormuz",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T02:23:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Japan Times",
    "slug": "japan-times",
    "url": "https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/09/25/world/politics/hormuz-phased-reopening/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The United States and Iran are reportedly engaged in discussions aimed at a phased agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, according to a source with knowledge of the negotiations. This potential breakthrough comes as both nations have previously turned down similar deals in recent times. The talks are being held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, though the identity of the source remains anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information. Qatari officials are reportedly acting as mediators in these discussions. This proposed deal would mirror a memorandum of understanding reached between the U.S. and Iran in mid-June, which initially facilitated a fragile ceasefire but ultimately proved short-lived.",
  "summary": "The two countries — which have refused to make similar deals before — were pushing for a breakthrough on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.",
  "key_points": [
    "U.S. and Iran in phased deal talks to open Hormuz Strait",
    "Qatar mediates negotiations on sidelines of UN General Assembly",
    "Proposed deal mirrors June memorandum of understanding"
  ],
  "editors_take": "A potential phased agreement between the U.S. and Iran, mediated by Qatari officials, could lift the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, marking a shift in both nations' stance.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "Iran hardens Hormuz stance as New York diplomacy struggles for breakthrough",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/iran-hardens-hormuz-stance-as-new-york-diplomacy-struggles-for",
        "published": "2026-09-25T03:49:19.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}