Iran urges US to revive deal before midterm elections
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Thursday that Tehran wants the US to return to a June memorandum of understanding before the November midterm elections, urging Washington not to delay negotiations until after the vote. Speaking to NBC News and other media in New York during the UN General Assembly, Pezeshkian referenced a temporary ceasefire agreement that collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations. He also said Iran was open to nuclear facility inspections and denied claims his government sought to assassinate former President Trump. Pezeshkian's timeline contrasts with Trump's September 22 statement expecting a deal only after the midterms. Separately, Iran reportedly proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure and lifts its blockade.