Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran has proposed to the Trump administration that negotiations resume with the aim of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the broader conflict. According to The Washington Post, Araghchi said the proposal was conveyed to U.S. officials during indirect talks held via intermediaries this week. The White House did not immediately respond to the newspaper’s request for comment. This proposal could signal a fresh diplomatic opening following months of conflict and the near-closure of one of the world’s most vital energy corridors; typically, between one-fifth and one-quarter of the global oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi spoke to reporters about the initiative on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. He stated that the terms were the same as those outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached between the two nations in June. “The terms we have put forward are nothing new,” Araghchi said. It remained unclear whether the proposal would meet the Trump administration’s conditions for resolving the conflict. Tehran viewed the June agreement as an acknowledgment of Iranian control over the strait—a position rejected by the U.S. and its regional allies. Following attacks on Iran by Israel and the U.S. in late February, Iran laid mines in the waterway and warned against vessels attempting to pass through without coordinating with Tehran. Consequently, shipping traffic dropped sharply, driving up global energy prices. President Donald Trump alluded to this diplomatic outreach during his address to the General Assembly on Tuesday. Trump stated that Iran could either strike a deal to end the conflict or face “ruin.” Members of the Iranian delegation walked out during his speech. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded during his address to the General Assembly on Wednesday, arguing that Iran needs sufficient strength to defend itself against external threats. “Iran must be powerful so that it cannot be intimidated and its future is not jeopardized,” Pezeshkian said. He added, “We are ready for dialogue, diplomacy, and negotiation, without accepting the language of force.” Trump has stated that the US joined forces with Israel to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Pezeshkian asserted that Iran would not build nuclear weapons, stating that the country has the right to develop “peaceful nuclear technology.” The dispute over Iran’s nuclear activities remains a major obstacle to an agreement. Washington has demanded safeguards to ensure Tehran cannot produce weapons, while Iranian officials insist the country must be allowed to maintain a civilian nuclear program. Pezeshkian used his presence at the UN to reject attempts to force Iran into negotiations through military pressure. “A world without strength is dangerous,” he said, “but a world that understands only the language of war and bullying will not be safe.” The new proposal includes two immediate priorities: resuming shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations on a comprehensive agreement. Araghchi did not specify whether nuclear issues would be discussed during the proposed seven-day process.
