US Faces Ultimatum from Iran: Reopen Ports or Risk Strait Closure
The United States has been presented with an ultimatum by Iran to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, waive sanctions on Iranian oil sales, and observe a ceasefire that includes Lebanon. In return, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear programme within seven days.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made this proposal to reporters outside the UN Security Council on Friday, stating that it would restart stalled talks with the US on Iran's nuclear programme. He emphasized that the seven-day timeline will start as soon as the United States accepts this plan.
Araghchi further explained that initial steps would take four to five days to complete, with the strait reopening on the sixth day. On the seventh day, talks with the US will be started for a final deal on mutually agreed subjects, referring to Iran's nuclear programme.