Iran Offers Seven-Day Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Regional Tensions
Iran has proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities in the region, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The proposal was sent to Washington through Qatar and includes the reopening of the strait within seven days if accepted by the US.
In return for this concession, Iran wants the US blockade on its ports lifted, frozen funds released, and oil sanctions waived. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would not compromise on its nuclear program even if the US accepted the proposal, saying it would retain its right to uranium enrichment.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the Middle East conflict during their summit, with Xi urging both sides to return to a June framework agreement. China's state news agency Xinhua reported that Xi called for a return to this agreement, which had led to a short ceasefire and restart of talks on a wider settlement.
The diplomatic efforts come as fighting continues to affect oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. China has a major interest in restoring traffic through the waterway due to its reliance on Middle Eastern oil.