Iran weighs nuclear proposals in Doha as talks on sanctions, Hormuz advance

• Tehran is evaluating proposals submitted by mediators regarding the nuclear file under what it terms the "second phase" of talks
• Iran's stated demands include sanctions relief, a drawdown of US forces in the region, the unfreezing of assets, and a comprehensive end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon

Tehran is reviewing formal nuclear proposals submitted by regional mediators as part of a "second phase" of diplomatic negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in remarks broadcast by Al Jazeera.

The announcement coincides with the arrival of an Iranian delegation in Doha, where Araghchi confirmed his deputy is conducting continuing consultations mediated by Qatari and Pakistani officials. Araghchi voiced appreciation for the sustained diplomatic efforts and communications maintained by both Doha and Islamabad.

Addressing prospects for direct engagement with Washington, Araghchi dismissed reports of imminent meetings with US officials as media speculation, stating that Iran currently sees no necessity for face-to-face talks. He noted that whether future negotiations proceed directly or through intermediaries will depend strictly on Washington’s response to Tehran’s stipulated conditions.

Commenting on recent correspondence from US Vice President JD Vance, the foreign minister stated that the letter was thoroughly reviewed in high-level government meetings. He described Washington's attempt to open channels of dialogue and mutual understanding as a "positive step," while cautioning that if the US was to foster division, it would represent another policy mistake by Washington.

Iran's core terms conveyed through Qatari and Pakistani interlocutors include the lifting of sanctions imposed following the Islamabad memorandum, a reduction of US military forces deployed across the region, the reinstatement of oil export waivers, and the unfreezing of all Iranian assets abroad, including funds held in Qatar. Araghchi further underlined demands for a comprehensive cessation of hostilities across all regional theaters, specifically citing Lebanon.

On regional maritime security, Araghchi emphasized that Tehran's framework remains the sole active proposal under consideration to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative requires formal international recognition of a designated maritime corridor established in coordination with the Sultanate of Oman, alongside the closure of alternative shipping channels.

While Qatari mediators originally suggested compressing the implementation window for the Iranian initiative to five days, Araghchi stated that current negotiations have successfully narrowed that timeline down to a two-day transition period.