WASHINGTON: Diplomatic efforts to ease the escalating US-Iran conflict have hit another roadblock after Iran put forward a seven-day roadmap aimed at stopping hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting negotiations over its nuclear programme.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, US President Donald Trump has rejected Tehran’s latest proposal. US officials cited in the report said Trump remains doubtful that Iran would accept Washington’s demands and expects US military strikes against Iran to resume after the November midterm elections.
The development came shortly after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined Tehran’s proposal during meetings linked to the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Iran Offers Seven-Day Roadmap
Under the Iranian proposal, the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within seven days if Washington accepts a series of conditions. Tehran has also offered to restart negotiations on its nuclear programme as part of the proposed arrangement.
Iran has called for the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, relief from oil-related sanctions and a ceasefire covering the wider regional conflict. The proposal was reportedly communicated to Washington through mediators, including Qatar.
Araghchi said the timetable would begin once the United States accepts the proposal. Iran has argued that the measures required from Washington largely reflect commitments contained in an earlier memorandum of understanding reached in June.
The Iranian foreign minister said Tehran was prepared to restore normal maritime traffic through Hormuz if the required conditions were fulfilled.
Strait of Hormuz at Centre of Dispute
The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most important issues in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran. The narrow waterway is a major route for international energy shipments, meaning prolonged disruption could have consequences well beyond the Middle East.
Iran’s proposal links the reopening of the strait directly to broader diplomatic and economic measures. The United States, meanwhile, has continued to press Tehran over its nuclear programme and other demands.
Trump has also indicated that he expects Iran to reach an agreement with Washington after the US midterm elections, adding further uncertainty to the diplomatic process.
Earlier June Agreement Collapsed
The latest proposal resembles an arrangement reached between Washington and Tehran in June. That agreement called for an immediate halt to military operations and a period of negotiations intended to produce a longer-term settlement.
The understanding subsequently broke down, with both sides accusing the other of failing to honour commitments. Trump later declared that the agreement was no longer in effect, while Tehran also suspended its participation.
The failure of that agreement has contributed to deep mistrust between the two governments and complicated attempts to establish a new ceasefire.
Qatar Continues Diplomatic Efforts
Qatar has remained involved in efforts to maintain communication between Washington and Tehran. Iranian and Qatari officials have continued discussions as diplomatic contacts take place around the UN General Assembly.
The White House has said that US officials remain engaged in what it described as positive and constructive discussions through mediators. However, Washington has also indicated that it is not prepared to rush into a new agreement.
For now, Iran’s seven-day proposal has shifted attention back to Washington and whether the two sides can find common ground on the ceasefire, sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear programme.
The reported rejection of the proposal leaves the diplomatic track uncertain as the November US midterm elections approach.
