Discussions Underway on Two-Day Plan to Open Hormuz: Araghchi
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Reuters photo.
Iran is discussing with Qatari mediators a proposal to open the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States accepts Tehran's conditions. The discussions are taking place amid diplomatic efforts to prevent a new outbreak of conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the proposal was initially planned to be implemented within seven days. However, after discussions with Qatar, the timeframe was reduced to two days. According to the proposal, the United States will have to take certain steps on the first day. From the second day, ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz will be normalized.
Iran's conditions include lifting some sanctions, reducing the US military presence in the region, restoring oil export waivers, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. In addition, Tehran wants recognition of a designated maritime route agreed upon by Iran and Oman.
Meanwhile, Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei has described the recent memo sent by US Vice President JD Vance as some positive progress. He said there has been a major change in the tone of Washington's statements. Tehran has reviewed the letter to explore the possibility of a diplomatic solution.
The United States has also shown interest in resolving the crisis through diplomacy. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump has not yet decided on launching new strikes on Iran. The administration wants to resolve the crisis through diplomatic means. However, the United States is also prepared to take military action if necessary.
Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions have not eased. Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has ordered military commanders to give a swift and effective response to any possible threat. He has also said that no geographical limits should be observed in this regard. The order will be effective if a threat comes from the United States or Israel.
Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the safety of ship movement in the Gulf region. At least 35 incidents related to ship movement in the Strait of Hormuz have been reported. On the other hand, the US Central Command said it has diverted the course of 144 commercial ships as part of a naval blockade of Iran's ports.
Iranian representatives are holding discussions in Doha through Qatari mediation. Regional countries are also trying to prevent a new outbreak of conflict.
Hope has arisen around this two-day proposal to normalize commercial ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy transport routes. However, its implementation depends on whether the United States accepts Iran's conditions. No final agreement has been reached on the matter yet.
