Iran awaits US response on Strait of Hormuz plan, says Araghchi
Iranian FM Araghchi says indirect talks with US via Qatar are ongoing, with an official response expected soon regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has revealed that Tehran is currently engaged in indirect discussions with the United States through Qatari mediators. Speaking to reporters in New York, Araghchi expressed hope that an official reply from Washington would arrive by Tuesday regarding Iran's recent proposals.
The discussions, which took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, focus heavily on regional tensions and the precarious security situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. According to Araghchi, the primary goal of his recent diplomatic mission was to ensure the international community understands Iran's position and its specific plan to resolve the ongoing crisis.
A Plan for the Strait of Hormuz
Tehran has put forward what it describes as a fair and logical plan aimed at reopening the vital shipping lane. Araghchi noted that Qatari intermediaries have been working to narrow the gap between the two nations by relaying fresh inputs and Tehran's proposals back to American officials.
While intermediaries from Qatar and Pakistan have historically facilitated communication between the two powers, Araghchi emphasized that the current process has taken on a "more serious nature" due to the specific proposals currently on the table.
Conflicting Accounts of the Proposal
The diplomatic maneuvering follows a period of intense disagreement. Earlier, US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz stated that Washington had rejected an Iranian proposal. Waltz claimed that Tehran was attempting to secure sanctions relief and access to billions in frozen assets before engaging in nuclear negotiations.
However, Araghchi has disputed this characterization, asserting that the US Ambassador had not actually seen the full plan. The Iranian Foreign Minister clarified that the proposal—which includes a seven-day framework for reopening the waterway—is linked to easing US military pressure rather than just financial demands.
Diplomacy vs. Readiness for Conflict
The situation remains highly volatile as both sides signal different postures. While US President Donald Trump confirmed that American officials held discussions with mediators on Monday, he declined to provide specific details regarding the outcome of those talks.
Araghchi maintained a dual stance of diplomatic openness and military readiness. In an interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," he delivered a stern warning regarding Iran's resolve:
"We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed. We stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war. We don’t care about U.S. midterm elections. We care about our national interests. At the same time, we stand ready for diplomacy. It is up to President Trump to choose."
As the world watches the Strait of Hormuz, the upcoming Tuesday deadline for a US response will be a critical indicator of whether the current cycle of tension moves toward a diplomatic breakthrough or further escalation.