US open to UN talks with Iran as nuclear concerns persist

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that Washington is open to talks with Iranian officials during the UN General Assembly, though no meeting has been scheduled. He stated the US would consider discussions if they could yield a positive outcome toward preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US takes initial steps to ease military pressure, according to a senior Iranian official who spoke to Japan's Kyodo news agency. The proposal was conveyed to Washington through mediators and includes resuming negotiations toward a permanent end to hostilities. The Iranian initiative was approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council. Tehran seeks US indicators of readiness to return to negotiations, including lifting the naval blockade on Iranian ports. A deadline set by Iran's security council for US action expires soon, with Iran retaining the option of new attacks on American forces.