Iran Sets 7-Day Deadline for US to Lift Blockade and Resume Nuclear Talks
Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming talks over its nuclear program within seven days if the United States agrees to several conditions. The proposal, outlined by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York, includes lifting a naval blockade on Iranian ports, waiving sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observing a ceasefire that would include Lebanon. This offer closely resembles a memorandum of understanding reached in June but sets a faster timetable. A 60-day interim period was called for in the earlier agreement, which collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the Strait.
The proposal comes as President Trump has said he is in no rush to reach an agreement, despite elevated oil prices adding to inflation and cost-of-living concerns. However, Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute think tank suggests that a rapid agreement could help President Trump ahead of November's midterm elections. Parsi notes that there is 'deep suspicion' around whether Iran could use an agreement to buy time to export more oil and reduce its economic pressure.
Questions also remain about whether hard-liners who dominate the country's security forces would accept compromises backed by more moderate officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian. Pezeshkian met with Qatar's prime minister early Friday, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States would engage in diplomacy if there were an opening for it.