Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US accepts a plan it conveyed through Qatar.
Araghchi told reporters in New York on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly that the seven-day timeline would begin once Washington accepts the proposal.
He said the US would be expected to take steps within the first four or five days, allowing the strait to reopen on day six.
Talks between Tehran and Washington on a final agreement would then begin on day seven, he said.
The foreign minister said the measures sought from Washington were already included in the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad in June.
“If there is seriousness on the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared,” he said.
Araghchi said Iran is committed to safe navigation through the strait but accused Washington of derailing implementation of the agreement through subsequent military action.
He said Tehran remained open to diplomacy but wanted credible assurances against renewed US attacks before entering another round of negotiations.
Positive, constructive conversations
The White House said US officials are having positive, constructive conversations with mediators on the Iran war.
In response to questions, it said the US is facilitating significant oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal, conveyed to the US by Qatar, resembles an interim deal reached in June, but with an accelerated timetable.
In the latest sign of diplomatic movement, Pezeshkian hosted Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani early on Friday.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “If there’s an opportunity to exchange ideas and messages, we will.”
