NEW YORK—Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran has presented the United States with a concrete proposal to try to reduce hostilities and restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly, Araghchi
explained that the plan includes a series of measures that, if Iran's
conditions are met, would allow the strategic maritime passage to reopen within
seven days and subsequently resume negotiations on other issues, including the
Iranian nuclear program.
The Iranian official noted that the measures requested from
Washington would not be entirely new, as they would be related to commitments
previously included in a memorandum of understanding between the two countries.
Araghchi maintained that it is now up to the United States
to decide whether to accept the proposal and asserted that Tehran is prepared
to move forward if Washington shows a willingness to reach an agreement.
The proposal comes as US and Iranian representatives
continue indirect talks through intermediaries. A U.S. official quoted by
Reuters described the talks as “positive and constructive,” although
differences remain between the two sides.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s main shipping
routes for oil and gas, so any restrictions on navigation have repercussions
that extend far beyond the region.