Tehran has presented a new proposal to unblock the Strait of Hormuz and restart talks on its nuclear program. The agreement would take effect within seven days if the United States lifts the naval blockade and eases sanctions on Iranian oil.
Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear program within seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade, suspends sanctions on Iranian oil sales and respects a ceasefire that would also include Lebanon.
The proposal was presented by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during a private meeting in New York on Thursday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. According to one of the participants in the meeting, Araghchi presented Tehran's conditions for a new agreement with Washington.
Trita Parsi, executive vice president of the Quincy Institute think tank, who attended the meeting, said Araghchi suggested that a quick deal could bring political benefits to US President Donald Trump ahead of the November midterm elections.
So far, the Iranian mission to the United Nations and other Tehran officials have not provided any official comment on this proposal.
The new proposal closely resembles a memorandum of understanding reached in June, but this time with a much shorter deadline for its implementation. The previous agreement provided for a temporary period of 60 days, but it quickly collapsed after Iran resumed attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump has said he is in no rush to reach a deal with Iran. However, high oil prices are fueling inflation and making the cost of living in the United States more expensive.
On the other hand, it remains unclear whether the more conservative forces that have major influence in Iranian security structures will accept the compromises supported by more moderate figures, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.
According to Trita Parsi, if Trump believes that such an agreement could bring him political benefits before the midterm elections and help lower fuel prices, then there may be more room for compromise on both sides.
However, he has warned that there is deep mistrust, particularly about the possibility that Iran could use the deal simply to buy time, increase oil exports and ease economic pressure.
Another sign of diplomatic moves came on Friday, when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian hosted the prime minister of Qatar. Qatar has played an important role as a mediator between Iran and the United States, including during indirect talks the two countries held this week in New York.
It is not yet clear how long Pezeshkian and Araghchi will remain in the United States after the Iranian president's speech to the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that Washington is willing to consider exchanging messages with Tehran if an opportunity arises.