US and Iran hold separate talks with mediators in push to end seven-month war

US and Iranian officials held separate talks with mediators Monday in a renewed push to end seven months of war, focusing on an amended Iranian ceasefire proposal. The conflict began in late February with US and Israeli attacks on Iran, killing thousands and disrupting global oil shipping. Iran's seven-day plan calls for ending hostilities in Iran and Lebanon, unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions and the US port blockade, in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear talks. US President Donald Trump said he rejected the initial proposal but expects further negotiations this week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran awaits Washington's definitive response, noting mediators had not formally conveyed a rejection. Previous ceasefires in April and June quickly collapsed, and Araqchi stressed that reopening the strait depends on meeting Iran's conditions.