Iran offers US talks within 48 hours as Washington proposes phased Hormuz deal

Iran offered Monday to resume negotiations with the United States within 48 hours, insisting sanctions and a naval blockade be lifted first, after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the conditions "outrageous and ridiculous." Tehran shortened its proposed timeline from seven days to two, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei defending the prerequisites as reasonable. Separately, a US proposal reportedly outlines a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, linking nuclear talks to gradual sanctions relief and frozen fund releases. Iran has not responded to the US plan and seeks written assurances. Baghaei also dismissed US pressure on Iraq over border closures and a military task force as a diversion following Republican midterm losses.