Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz in 7 Days if US Meets Conditions
Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks within seven days if the US lifts its naval blockade, waives oil sanctions, and observes a ceasefire including Lebanon. The strait's closure has disrupted global oil and gas flows, creating political challenges for President Trump ahead of November's midterm elections.
UNITED NATIONS, Sept 26 — Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program in seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi detailed the proposal to reporters outside the U.N. Security Council on Friday, saying it would also restart stalled talks with the U.S. on Iran's nuclear program.
"The seven-day timeline will start as soon as the United States accepts this plan," he said, referring to the nuclear program.
Iran's disruption of the strait — through which a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas transited before the war — has emerged as its main point of leverage. The effects have been felt far beyond the Middle East and posed political problems for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party ahead of November's midterm congressional elections.
The White House said only that U.S. officials are having positive and constructive conversations with mediators on the Iran war. In response to questions, it said the U.S. is facilitating significant oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
There was no immediate comment on the proposal from Gulf Arab nations, although a person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private deliberations, told The Associated Press that Saudi Arabia was skeptical of the latest push for a deal.