US and Iran Use Mediators to Seek End to Seven-Month War
The United States and Iran have separately engaged with mediators in a renewed attempt to end their seven-month war, officials from both countries said, though the contact does not amount to direct negotiations or signal a ceasefire. The discussions are expected to center on a revised seven-day proposal Iran put forward at the UN General Assembly, which links stopping hostilities to unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for resuming nuclear talks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran is awaiting Washington's response, while President Donald Trump confirmed US officials spoke with mediators but did not disclose details. The diplomatic push comes as the conflict continues to affect global energy markets, with oil prices rising Tuesday amid uncertainty. The next step depends on whether the two sides can agree on terms for moving from the seven-day proposal to a durable ceasefire.