US-Iran talks in New York: Both sides seek diplomacy but deadlock persists

US-Iran indirect talks continue in New York via Qatari mediators, but the two sides remain deadlocked over the agenda for ending their seven-month war. Iran awaits a formal US response to its proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi left New York Tuesday, expecting Washington's reply to Tehran's offer to reopen the strait within seven days. The proposal, passed via Qatar, conditions reopening on lifting the US naval blockade, waiving sanctions, releasing $12bn in frozen assets, and a regional ceasefire. President Trump publicly rejected the offer, while US officials demand a comprehensive deal addressing Iran's nuclear programme first. The June Islamabad memorandum, which outlined a step-by-step approach, collapsed quickly. Analysts doubt a breakthrough before US midterm elections on November 3, with both sides preparing for possible resumed fighting amid deep mutual distrust.