US-Iran Talks Continue Amid Ongoing Economic Pressure

Indirect US-Iran talks are continuing to try and resolve the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz, despite US President Donald Trump's public rejection of Iran's latest proposal. The negotiations reflect mounting economic strain, oil market pressure, and hopes for a broader regional settlement. According to several regional officials and a senior US official, mediators Qatar have been working on a deal that would allow the strait to reopen in exchange for the removal of sanctions on Iranian oil sales and frozen assets.

The proposal is similar to one presented by Iran in June, but with a faster timeline. Under this plan, the strait would reopen under an arrangement between Iran and Oman, which would include no tolls and temporarily manage shipping traffic. However, Washington remains uncertain about whether Iran can meet Trump's conditions for a deal.

Despite Trump's rejection of the proposal, officials say that the US has not officially rejected it, suggesting his comments may have been a negotiating tactic. One regional official noted that there were positive signals from both sides, while another said there had been 'slight progress' over the weekend.