Iran has presented Washington with a new diplomatic initiative that could see the Strait of Hormuz reopened within a week, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Speaking at a private gathering on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York on Thursday, Araghchi outlined a seven-day roadmap that would also restart negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme, the Associated Press reported.
The proposal, delivered to the US through intermediaries, sets out a series of conditions. If accepted, Iran would ensure the strait—a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments—is open by the end of the seventh day, and talks would resume. The conditions include the lifting of the US naval blockade, a waiver on oil sanctions, and a ceasefire that extends to Lebanon.
Participants at the UNGA gathering quoted Araghchi as saying: "If certain conditions are met, the Strait of Hormuz would be open on the end of the seventh day and talks would restart." The proposal echoes the memorandum of understanding that Iran and the US signed in June, which later collapsed, according to the Associated Press.
Mixed signals from Tehran
Iranian officials in Tehran, particularly military hard-liners who appear to question the civilian leadership's approach, have remained silent on the details of Araghchi's remarks. The lack of public endorsement suggests internal divisions over the diplomatic overture. Meanwhile, oil markets reacted positively to the news, with Brent crude falling to $105 per barrel as traders weighed the possibility of renewed US-Iran negotiations.
On Friday, Araghchi met with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband in New York. During the talks, he accused "certain European nations" of acting in a "destructive and irresponsible" manner, citing their "support and complicity" in US and Israeli "military aggression" that he said had "inflicted immense damage on Iran, the region, and the world."
Also on Friday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Qatar has been actively mediating between Washington and Tehran, including hosting hours of indirect talks at the UN this week. Qatar's foreign ministry said the two leaders discussed "the latest developments in the region, along with efforts to de-escalate tensions and create a conducive environment for dialogue."
Strategic calculation or tactical pause?
Analysts caution against interpreting Tehran's move as a strategic retreat. Danny Citrinowicz, former head of Israel's military intelligence research department, wrote on X that "Tehran appears to believe that a political window is opening in Washington." He noted that with US midterm elections approaching and President Trump facing incentives to lower oil prices, Iran sees an opportunity to test whether economic and political pressure can translate into American flexibility.
The proposal comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz closure having significant implications for global energy markets and European economies. The EU has been closely monitoring the situation, with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urging toll-free passage through the strait after recent talks. French President Emmanuel Macron has also called on the EU to loosen fuel regulations as the closure bites into supply chains.
European capitals are watching the diplomatic manoeuvres with a mix of hope and caution. The reopening of Hormuz would ease pressure on energy prices and reduce the risk of a broader conflict that could spill into Europe's neighbourhood. However, the collapse of the June memorandum serves as a reminder of how fragile such agreements can be.
For now, the ball is in Washington's court. The US has not yet formally responded to the Iranian proposal, but the fact that indirect talks have been taking place at the UN suggests both sides are willing to explore a path away from confrontation. Whether the seven-day timeline is realistic remains to be seen, but the very existence of the plan signals that Tehran is seeking a way out of the current impasse—at least for now.
