Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said they had presented the US administration with a seven-day proposal aimed at ending the war between the two countries. Under Iran's plan, the Strait of Hormuz would be opened to maritime traffic at the end of the seventh day if certain conditions were met, and comprehensive talks on the nuclear program would resume.
Iran's proposed conditions
Speaking at a press conference held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Araghchi said the plan closely resembled the obligations in a protocol of understanding signed between the US and Iran in June but rendered inconclusive shortly afterward. The Iranian minister said implementation could begin immediately if Washington accepted the proposal.
Under the plan, all conflicts, including the ongoing fighting in Lebanon, would end within seven days. In return, the US would be required to release frozen Iranian assets, lift sanctions on Iranian oil and end the maritime blockade. The frozen assets sought for release are reportedly worth at least $12 billion.
Once these conditions were met, the Strait of Hormuz would be opened and negotiations on the nuclear program would begin immediately. Araghchi said it would be better to reach an agreement before the US midterm elections.
US will not rush to reach an agreement
A US official familiar with the talks said the administration was conducting positive and constructive negotiations through mediators. The official also said Washington would not rush to reach an agreement.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a three-hour meeting mediated by Qatar had ended without an agreement. On September 22, Araghchi exchanged messages via Qatar with US special representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Following Araghchi's assessment of those contacts as productive, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said new contacts were imminent.
Trump and Pezeshkian trade sharp remarks at UN podium
Iran's seven-day proposal emerged as US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made sharp statements from the United Nations podium. Trump threatened to destroy Iran if no agreement was reached, while Pezeshkian said Iran could not be subjected to a humiliating approach.
Trump also said his main objective was to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The US president said he would achieve this either through a diplomatic solution or through new attacks.
Iran's economy under pressure
Sanctions, inflation in staple foods, medicine shortages and disruptions to trade are increasing pressure on Iran's economy. Ali Vaez, who works on Iran-related issues and advises the president, described Araghchi's proposal as a smart move.
According to Vaez, the plan offers Trump an opportunity to end the war and lower energy prices before the midterm elections, while it could also create favorable conditions for Iran again. Vaez said setting a shorter timetable for nuclear negotiations could be attractive to Trump.
The war between Iran and the US has lasted for approximately seven months, beginning with US and Israeli airstrikes at the end of February. Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and senior military leadership were killed in the strikes, and the war has had broad effects on oil, energy and food prices.
