Iran Proposes Reopening Hormuz Within Seven Days — Report

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States agrees to conditions aimed at ending the conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said.

Araghchi disclosed the proposal while speaking to media outlets in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

He said the plan would involve a seven-day cessation of hostilities across the Middle East, including Lebanon, followed by the reopening of the strategic waterway.

Under the proposal, Iran is also seeking the release of frozen Iranian assets estimated at more than $12 billion, the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil and an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Araghchi said the timetable for reopening the strait would begin once the United States accepted the proposed arrangement. At the end of the seven-day period, Iran would reopen the waterway.

The foreign minister said Tehran was waiting for Washington’s response and maintained that China supported the proposal.

The development comes amid continuing diplomatic contacts between Iran and the United States aimed at finding a way to end hostilities and resolve disputes over the Strait of Hormuz.

The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Restrictions on navigation have therefore raised concerns over energy supplies, shipping costs and international markets.

Iran has previously set out conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to military pressure and the lifting of the US blockade on its ports.

A senior Iranian official had earlier told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the waterway within seven days if Washington eased military pressure and lifted the blockade. However, Iranian media subsequently disputed reports that such an offer had been made.

Araghchi’s latest comments provide a further indication that reopening Hormuz remains central to ongoing diplomatic discussions.

The proposal comes as world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, with the Iran conflict and the security of international shipping among the issues receiving renewed attention.