New proposal from Iran for opening the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear negotiations
Iran has offered to open the Strait of Hormuz and initiate nuclear talks if the US lifts sanctions and unfreezes assets.
In a new plan submitted to the administration of US President Donald Trump, Iran announced that in exchange for the lifting of oil sanctions, the end of wars, and the unfreezing of frozen assets, it could open the Strait of Hormuz within six days and begin nuclear negotiations.
Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Negotiation Plan
In line with the proposal conveyed to the US, Iran stated that if the conditions are met, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened in a short time and discussions regarding the nuclear program will be accelerated.
This proposal aims to accelerate the steps outlined in the memorandum of understanding signed between the US and Iran in June, and to start nuclear negotiations at a much earlier date than expected.
Agreement with Oman and International Registration
Iran stated that an agreement has been reached with Oman regarding a temporary route through the Strait of Hormuz and that this is a completed process.
Iranian officials expressed that they are ready to register the details of this route with the International Maritime Organization.
Contacts from Tehran with Washington and China
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the details of the plan were conveyed to the US through intermediary countries and that they are awaiting a response from the Washington administration.
Araghchi also added that they have consulted with China regarding the plan and that Beijing fully supports this proposal.
Saudi Arabia and Houthi Dimension
While Saudi Arabia is expected to support this route between Oman and Iran, it was stated that hesitation has been experienced in this process due to the attacks by the Houthis in Yemen against Saudi Arabia.
The Iranian side defended that they have called on the Houthis to halt the attacks, but that they do not have control over Houthi decisions.
Diplomatic Talks in New York
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband as part of his contacts in New York. This meeting marked the first ministerial-level contact between the two countries in a year.
Additionally, Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff also met this week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly to discuss the conditions for reopening the strait.