Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz in Seven Days for US Naval Blockade Relief

Iran has made a surprise offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program in seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observes a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi detailed the proposal outside the UN Security Council, saying it would also restart stalled talks with the US on Iran's nuclear program. The seven-day timeline will start as soon as the United States accepts this plan, he said.

Araghchi explained that initial steps to implement the plan would take about four to five days to complete, and the strait would be open on the sixth day. On the seventh day, talks with the US would begin for a final deal on mutually agreed subjects, he added, referring to the nuclear program.

The White House confirmed that US officials are having positive and constructive conversations with mediators on the Iran war, but did not comment on the proposal from Gulf Arab nations. Saudi Arabia was sceptical of the latest push for a deal.