Day 210 | US, Iran discuss phased deal to reopen Hormuz and end US blockade
US and Iranian negotiators in New York are exploring a phased path to end the nearly seven-month conflict, with Tehran potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz in return for Washington lifting its economic blockade, according to sources cited by Reuters.
A senior Iranian official said the most plausible way forward would be to end the blockade and restore navigation through Hormuz, potentially alongside access to frozen Iranian assets. Regional sources said Tehran may also be willing to move its demand for transit fees into a separate arrangement.
The talks face a major obstacle as neither side wants to surrender its main leverage. Washington is relying on sanctions and economic pressure, while Iran controls access to the strategic waterway, a key route for global oil shipments.
US President Donald Trump has said a deal could come after the November 3 congressional midterm elections. A White House official said Trump remained open to talks but believed Washington was in a strong position, while former US negotiator Dennis Ross estimated a 30% chance of an agreement before the vote.
Gulf states have urged de-escalation while rejecting any arrangement that would give Iran control over Hormuz. Regional officials said the Gulf countries want freedom of navigation restored and are seeking clarity over Washington’s longer-term plans as concerns grow that the conflict could become open-ended.
22 million barrels of oil passed through Hormuz overnight: US official
A US official told the Financial Times that oil shipments carrying nearly 22 million barrels passed through the Strait of Hormuz overnight.
The official said the United States remains in a “very strong position” because of its control over the strategic waterway.
Pezeshkian says Iran ready for nuclear deal with US under international law
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said Tehran is ready to reach an agreement with the United States if it is based on international law.
In an interview with Fox News, Pezeshkian said Iran would honor its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and would be prepared to give up uranium enriched to 60 percent as part of such an agreement.
He said Iran is facing serious economic problems but is prepared to withstand US sanctions.
Pezeshkian also blamed US policies for Iran’s deteriorating economic situation.
Positive talks underway through Iran mediators: White House official
A White House official told CNN that “positive and constructive” discussions are underway through mediators regarding Iran.
The comments came in response to remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
The official said the United States is in a “very strong position” because of its control over the Strait of Hormuz and therefore is not in a hurry to reach an agreement.
Iran ‘wishes’ that Washington will return to MoU before US midterm election: Pezeshkian
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the United States to return to a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries before the US midterm elections in November.
“We wish Americans to return to the MoU before the midterms,” Pezeshkian told media outlets on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, according to NBC News.
“We don’t want it to get to the midterm elections,” he added.
The agreement was intended to pave the way for peace talks between Washington and Tehran and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
The MoU expired in mid-August, leaving negotiations between the two sides at an uncertain stage.
Day 209 of the US-‘Israeli’ war on Iran
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Read more: Day 209 | Iran's President: ‘We will never bend the knee’
