Iranian negotiators suspended discussions with Qatari mediators on Sunday, who were facilitating talks to bring an end to the conflict with the United States. Meanwhile, a draft of the Iranian proposal is reportedly being circulated, and the possibility of a future meeting is being explored, according to an official familiar with the negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai stated that negotiations are based on a seven-point plan initially proposed by Tehran in September, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade against Iran. Tehran now indicates that, within the context of a potential agreement, this proposal could be implemented more expeditiously.
Iran's commitment to good faith negotiations is evident in its willingness to consider implementing a plan within a short timeframe, as suggested by the possibility of its implementation in two days. The exchange of messages between Iran and the United States continues through mediators, with the outcome contingent on Washington's acceptance of Iran's requests. Only upon receiving a positive response from the US can the parties discuss and proceed with further steps.
Tensions between the US and Iran have centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for hydrocarbon transportation, since the outbreak of conflict. Following the Israeli-US strikes on Iran on February 28, Tehran has asserted control over the strategic route and has repeatedly targeted vessels attempting to traverse it without its authorization.
Iran submitted a plan to reopen the strait through Qatar in September, just six days after the United States responded to its initial demands. However, the proposal was subsequently rejected by US President Donald Trump.
A key component of the agreement included a regional ceasefire, the freezing of Iranian assets held abroad, the lifting of sanctions on its oil sector, and the removal of the U.S. blockade from its ports.
A previously agreed upon protocol, established in June following a temporary ceasefire that took effect in April, failed to hold, leading to a resumption of attacks this summer.
Iranian Chancellor Abbas Araqchi outlined the country's demands in a recent interview with Al Jazeera, specifying that Washington should acknowledge a newly agreed-upon transit route for ships through the Strait of Hormuz, which is now between Iran and Oman. Additionally, Araqchi emphasized the need for a reduction in the U.S. military presence in the Middle East.
A recent diplomatic effort is unfolding against the backdrop of heightened concerns that the ongoing conflict may escalate further in the aftermath of the upcoming United States midterm elections, scheduled to take place on November 3.
Iran does not anticipate the upcoming elections in Tehran to yield a significant shift in its relationship with the United States, implying a substantial change in diplomatic dynamics.
Tensions between the United States and Israel have eased somewhat since September, but both countries remain poised to potentially reinitiate military action against Iran, despite being in the midst of their own electoral processes.
US President Trump has stated that the country will refrain from launching further military operations against Iran until the upcoming vote, while also acknowledging that recent negotiations with Tehran have been productive. However, he has not entirely dismissed the possibility of future military action against the country.
The Iranian government's chief spokesperson stated on Monday that any aggressive actions taken against Iran would prompt a swift and comprehensive global response from their side.
Tagged as AFP, REUTERS
