Iran Offers US Seven-Day Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had delivered Washington a proposal through mediators that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, provided the US meets a series of conditions. Speaking on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Araghchi said the plan closely mirrors the June Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding but is designed to move much faster.

Iran's Conditions

Under the proposal, all hostilities would end during the seven-day period, including operations in Lebanon. Iran is also seeking release of its frozen assets (estimated at least $12 billion), a waiver of US sanctions on Iranian oil, and the lifting of the US naval blockade. At the end of the period, the strait would reopen and comprehensive nuclear negotiations would begin immediately — faster than the 60-day window set under the original Islamabad memorandum.

Timing and Position

Araghchi said he would remain in New York over the weekend awaiting Washington's response, adding it would be preferable to reach an agreement before the US midterm elections, though Iran was "not in a hurry." A White House official told CNN discussions through intermediaries were "positive and constructive," while another US official said Washington believed it remained in a strong position and was not rushing, noting nearly 22 million barrels of oil had passed through the strait the previous night.

Complications on the Ground

Iran separately reached an agreement with Oman on a temporary route through the strait, but Saudi Arabia reportedly pulled back from endorsing it amid anger over Houthi attacks linked to the Yemen dispute. Bahrain separately led 80 nations in condemning Iran's actions in the strait and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, demanding the waterway's immediate reopening without tolls.

China's Position

Araghchi said he had consulted China, which he said fully supports the proposal.

Broader Context

The offer emerged as Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered contrasting UN speeches — Trump threatening Iran with "annihilation" if no deal is reached, Pezeshkian saying Iran would not be pressured through force. Talks between US and Iranian representatives on Tuesday marked the first direct negotiations between the two sides in months.