US and Iran to hold separate mediator talks on Strait of Hormuz

The US and Iran are expected to hold separate talks with mediators on Monday or Tuesday to secure a deal to end fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with no direct US-Iran negotiations planned. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to meet mediators in New York, while a Qatari delegation presented an Iranian proposal to US officials last week. The proposal offers reopening the strait in exchange for lifting the US blockade, releasing frozen assets, and waiving oil sanctions. US President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's latest proposal over the weekend, though officials said the US has not formally declined it, possibly as a negotiating tactic. Washington seeks concessions on Iran's nuclear programme, including allowing inspectors, amid a June memorandum of understanding.