WASHINGTON (TNND) — Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting talks over its nuclear program within seven days if the United States agrees to several things.
Tehran is asking the U.S. to lift its naval blockade, waive sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observe a ceasefire that would include Lebanon, according to an attendee at a private gathering on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the proposal Thursday in New York, the attendee said.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute think tank, who attended the gathering, said Araghchi suggested a rapid agreement could help President Donald Trump ahead of November’s midterm elections.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations and other Iranian officials did not immediately comment on the reported proposal.
The offer closely resembles a memorandum of understanding reached in June, though it sets a faster timetable. That earlier agreement called for a 60-day interim period but collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump has said he is in no rush to reach an agreement, even as elevated oil prices add to inflation and cost-of-living concerns.
In Iran, questions remain about whether hard-liners who dominate the country’s security forces would accept compromises backed by more moderate officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.
“If Trump calculates this arrangement is worthwhile and can bring political benefit before the midterms and reduce gas prices, perhaps we’ll see flexibility not seen in previous weeks,” Parsi said. He added that there is “deep suspicion” around whether Iran could use an agreement to buy time to export more oil and reduce its economic pressure.
Pezeshkian met with Qatar’s prime minister early Friday, the latest sign of diplomatic activity. Qatar has been a key mediator, including during hours of indirect talks between Iranian and U.S. officials at the U.N. this week.
It was not immediately clear how long Pezeshkian and Araghchi would remain in the United States after Pezeshkian addressed the annual gathering of world leaders Wednesday.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Wednesday that the United States would engage if there were an opening for diplomacy.
“If there’s an opportunity to exchange ideas and messages, we will,” Rubio said.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.