Iran offers to reopen Hormuz, resume nuclear talks if US lifts blockade

Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart talks on its nuclear programme within seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon, according to a person who attended a private meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The proposal was outlined on Thursday by Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. It comes amid fresh diplomatic contacts between Tehran and Washington, even as both sides remain wary and past attempts at an agreement have failed.

Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute think tank, who attended the meeting, said Araghchi indicated that a quick deal could help US President Donald Trump before the November midterm elections.

There was no immediate comment from Iran's UN mission or other Iranian officials.

The proposal



closely resembles the so-called Memorandum of Understanding reached in June, but with a faster timeline. The earlier arrangement had provided for a 60-day interim period, but it quickly fell apart after Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the strait.

Trump has said he is in no rush to reach a deal, even as high oil prices add to inflation and worsen cost of living concerns.

In Iran, there are also doubts over whether hard-liners who dominate the security forces would accept compromises backed by relative moderates such as 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.

But he also noted "deep suspicion", especially over the possibility that Iran could simply be buying time to export more oil and ease its economic pain.