US and Iran Hold Separate Talks as Oil Exports Soar to War-Time High
As tensions between the US and Iran continue, both sides have held separate indirect talks with mediators in an effort to end seven months of war. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Qatari mediators in New York, where he remained after the United Nations General Assembly. Araghchi stated that he expects Washington's response by Tuesday.
The US and Iran have been engaged in conflict since February, with oil exports from the Middle East reaching their highest level since the war began this month. If an outright export ban on diesel by Washington were to be implemented, it would keep around 1.2 million barrels per day at home, which could overwhelm Gulf Coast storage.
The talks come as Iran presses for a response to a revised ceasefire framework. Araghchi said that he planned to return to Tehran once a response arrives from the Qataris, who will relay Washington's message.