Iran has continued diplomatic efforts to reach an understanding with the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting Qatari mediators in New York as both sides remain divided over key conditions for ending the conflict.
The meeting focused on ideas linked to Iran’s proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said Qatar would communicate the discussed proposals to the US side, while Tehran awaited Washington’s response.
Iran’s proposal includes several steps that Tehran says could create conditions for reopening the strategically important waterway. These include the release of frozen Iranian funds, an easing of US sanctions and an end to the naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Under the Iranian plan, these measures could be implemented within several days, followed by broader negotiations on a final agreement, including the issue of Iran’s nuclear programme.
The United States, however, has maintained that the nuclear issue must be part of any agreement. A US official described the indirect discussions as positive and constructive but said the two sides remain apart over the timing of commitments and which side should take the first steps.
US President Donald Trump has previously rejected Iran’s initial proposal as unacceptable, although indirect communication through mediators has continued.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major part of the dispute because it is a critical route for global energy supplies. Restrictions on shipping through the waterway have affected oil markets and increased concerns about international energy security. Reuters reported that Middle Eastern crude exports recovered in September but remained below pre-war levels.
Qatar has played an important role in carrying messages between Washington and Tehran, while Pakistan has also been involved in the wider mediation efforts. The latest contacts show that diplomatic channels remain open despite major differences between the two governments.
For now, there is no final agreement between Iran and the United States. The next major step depends on Washington’s response to Tehran’s proposal and whether both sides can bridge their differences over sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.