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The United States and Iran have resumed efforts to end their seven-month-old war, with officials from both sides holding separate discussions with mediators, according to officials familiar with the talks.
The discussions may focus on a revised version of Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire, which Tehran presented on the sidelines of last week’s UN General Assembly session, an official familiar with the talks said.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has remained in New York after attending the UN General Assembly. Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that he was awaiting Washington’s response to Tehran’s ceasefire proposal, including conditions for the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
“If the Americans say they want an agreement or a peaceful solution, we have presented that solution,” Araghchi said.
US President Donald Trump also confirmed on Monday that American officials had spoken with mediators, but provided no further details.
Under Iran’s proposal, Tehran has called for an end to hostilities in Iran and Lebanon, the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets, an end to sanctions on Iranian oil and the lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports. In return, Iran would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen.
The two sides would also resume discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme and Trump’s demand concerning the seizure or destruction of Iran’s highly enriched uranium.
Trump said on Saturday, Sept 26, that he had rejected Iran’s proposal, arguing that economic pressure was pushing Tehran to seek a deal quickly.
The conflict began in late February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Thousands of people have reportedly been killed during the seven-month war, while disruptions to key oil-shipping routes have had significant repercussions for global markets.
The United States and Iran previously reached ceasefire agreements through mediators in April and June, but both arrangements broke down shortly afterward.
Source: Reuters
