Iran's Draft Deal Seeks Two-Day Hormuz Reopening — SkimNews
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- Iran's negotiators left talks with Qatari mediators in Doha on Sunday, with a draft proposal being circulated and a follow-up meeting possible, an official briefed on the talks said Monday — who added the departure was not because of difficulties in the negotiations.
- Esmaeil Baghaei, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, said the talks rest on a seven-step plan Tehran drew up in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. naval blockade, with Iran now suggesting the proposal could be implemented on a faster timeline under a deal.
- Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, was in Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages with Washington through Qatari intermediaries.
- Abbas Araqchi, Iran's foreign minister, said that under a deal the Strait of Hormuz could be opened within a two-day timeline rather than the seven days originally envisaged.
- Trump rejected Iran's initial proposal, said the United States would not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote and that talks with Tehran have been productive, but has not ruled out further military action.
- Strait of Hormuz cannot be reopened or secured, and no final agreement initiated, unless the U.S. naval blockade is brought to an end, Iran's demands are respected and its legitimate requirements are addressed, Baghaei said.
- Iran does not expect Tuesday's U.S. midterms to "give birth to a new U.S.," Baghaei said.
Why it matters: Iran has cut the timetable it floated for reopening the Strait of Hormuz from seven days to two, making an end to the U.S. naval blockade the hinge of any agreement. Trump rejected the initial proposal and has not ruled out new attacks after Tuesday's midterms, so the accelerated offer arrives with no signed deal.
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