Iran has proposed a deal with the United States that could lead to the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Speaking to reporters at the United Nations in New York, Araghchi said the waterway could return to normal maritime traffic if Washington agrees to the conditions outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries in June.
He said Iran had communicated the proposal to the United States through Qatar and that the next move was now up to Washington.
“If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days,” Araghchi said.
The Iranian minister did not publicly detail every condition, but said the measures expected from the US were already contained in the June agreement.
A US official told the BBC that discussions were continuing through mediators, including talks concerning Iran's nuclear programme. However, Washington has indicated that it does not feel immediate pressure to accept Tehran's proposal.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major point of tension during the conflict. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the waterway, making any disruption there significant for international energy markets.
Under the proposed roadmap, Iran would reopen the waterway while the US would take steps including lifting its naval blockade and providing sanctions-related relief. The proposal also seeks to restart negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme.
The proposal resembles an earlier agreement reached in June that was intended to establish a ceasefire and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. That agreement later broke down as military hostilities resumed.
The latest diplomatic initiative comes as tensions between Tehran and Washington remain high. Iran says it is prepared to move quickly if the United States agrees to the proposed conditions.
Whether the plan will lead to a lasting reopening of the waterway will depend on negotiations between the two sides and their respective positions on the ceasefire, sanctions, military operations and Iran's nuclear programme.
Source: BBC News
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