Iran proposes seven-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iran has proposed a phased agreement under which it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military and economic pressure, as Qatar mediates indirect talks between the countries in New York.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the timetable could begin once Washington accepts the plan. Tehran’s stated conditions include lifting the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, allowing Iranian oil exports, releasing frozen Iranian assets and halting attacks on multiple fronts. The Guardian reported that Iran also wants Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon to end.

Under the sequence described by The Guardian, Washington would take those steps during the first several days, Iran would reopen the strait using a route designated with Oman, and negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program would begin the following day. Araghchi said the proposal draws on a June memorandum between Iran and the U.S., but accelerates the start of nuclear talks from 60 days to seven.

Neither side has announced a breakthrough. Al Jazeera reported that important details remain unclear, including verification measures and the rules that would govern shipping after reopening. The United States wants Iran’s nuclear program addressed immediately, while Tehran has maintained that broader negotiations cannot begin until the blockade and other pressure are lifted.

President Donald Trump said U.S. officials had held a “very good” three-hour meeting with Iranian representatives, while also threatening further military action if no agreement is reached. Iran’s military called those threats a sign of “strategic desperation” and warned it was prepared to retaliate.