Iran proposes seven-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iran has proposed a plan to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, with Qatar relaying messages between the sides at the UN General Assembly in New York. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the timetable could start as soon as Washington accepts the proposal, which resembles a June memorandum of understanding that briefly eased the conflict before breaking down. The US has not indicated a breakthrough, and analysts doubt a firm peace deal is likely. The proposal pressures the Trump administration amid high fuel prices ahead of US midterm elections, as the strait is vital for Gulf oil and gas exports. However, the US wants Iran's nuclear programme discussed immediately, while Iran demands lifted sanctions and a naval blockade before broader talks.