US Iran Mediators Restart Indirect Talks as Trump Rejects Proposal
Both sides spoke with go-betweens on Monday as Iran waits for Washington's answer on its seven-day ceasefire plan.
US vs Iran – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – US Iran mediators were busy on Monday as officials from both countries held separate talks in a new push to end the seven-month war. Officials from both sides confirmed the contacts.
Any next round of talks is expected to focus on a changed version of Iran’s seven-day plan. Iran shared the plan last week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. An official who knows about the talks told Reuters about the next steps.
A war that began in February
The war started in late February, when the US and Israel attacked Iran. Thousands of people have died since then. Global markets have also been shaken, as key sea routes for oil remain blocked.
This is not the first try at peace. The two countries agreed to ceasefires twice before, in April and June. Both deals fell apart quickly.
What Iran is asking for
Iran’s seven-day plan has several parts. It calls for an end to all fighting in Iran and Lebanon. It also asks for the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.
Iran also wants an end to oil sanctions. It wants the US to lift its blockade on Iranian ports as well.
After that, Iran says it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital path for oil tankers. Both sides would then return to nuclear talks. That includes President Donald Trump’s wish to seize or remove Iran’s highly enriched uranium.
Iran waits for a US answer
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stayed in New York after the General Assembly. He told Iranian state news agency IRNA that Iran expects a US reply soon. That reply should cover both the ceasefire plan and Iran’s conditions for reopening the strait.
“If the Americans claim they are seeking an agreement or a peaceful solution, we have presented that solution,” he said.
On Sunday, Araghchi said mediators had not formally passed on any US rejection. He said Iran will wait for Washington’s final position before deciding its next move.
He also made Iran’s stance clear. Any step to reopen the Strait of Hormuz depends on Iran’s conditions being met, he said. Only a negotiated deal, he added, can end the standoff.
Trump sends mixed signals
President Trump said US officials also spoke with mediators on Monday. He gave no more details when he spoke to reporters at the White House.
On Saturday, Trump said he had turned down Iran’s proposal. He claimed Iran wants a quick deal because of heavy economic pressure. Yet on Sunday, he told Axios he expects US negotiators to hold more talks this week.
For now, both sides are still talking through third parties. Whether this leads to a lasting deal, or to a third failed ceasefire, remains unclear.
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