Iran proposes 7-day ceasefire plan to US, reopening Strait of Hormuz

Iran has proposed a seven-day plan to the US for a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and subsequent nuclear talks, according to Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He stated Tehran is ready to implement it upon Washington's approval, preferring a deal before the US midterm elections. The proposal, delivered via intermediaries, mirrors a June memorandum of understanding but with a faster timeline, replacing the previous 60-day framework. It requires a halt to all hostilities, including in Lebanon, the release of $12 billion in frozen assets, and lifting oil sanctions. US officials report positive discussions but no rush to finalize an agreement. A three-hour Qatari-mediated meeting yielded no breakthrough, though further talks may occur, as the proposal follows the collapse of the earlier June accord.