Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume talks on its nuclear programme in seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade, waives sanctions on Iranian oil sales and observes a ceasefire that would include Lebanon.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi detailed the proposal in a private gathering on Thursday (September 24, 2026) on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to one attendee.

Trita Parsi, Executive Vice-President of the Quincy Institute think tank, who attended, said Mr. Araghchi suggested that a speedy agreement would help U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of November’s midterm elections.

There was no immediate comment from Iran’s UN mission or other Iranian officials.

The proposal strongly resembles the so-called Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) reached in June, but with an accelerated timetable. The earlier agreement, which had called for a 60-day interim period, quickly collapsed as Iran resumed attacks on shipping in the strait.

Mr. Trump has said he is in no rush to reach a deal, even as high oil prices fuel inflation and exacerbate cost of living concerns. On the Iranian side, there are questions as to whether the hard-liners who dominate the security forces will accept compromises championed by relative moderates, like President Masoud Pezeshkian.

“If Trump calculates this arrangement is worthwhile and can bring political benefit before the midterms and reduce gas prices, perhaps we’ll see flexibility not seen in previous weeks,” Mr. Parsi said. But he noted “deep suspicion,” especially around the prospect of Iran merely buying time to get out more of its oil and ease its economic pain.

In the latest sign of diplomatic movement, Mr. Pezeshkian hosted the Prime Minister of Qatar early Friday (September 25, 2026). Qatar has served as a key mediator, including during hours of indirect Iranian-US talks at the UN this week.

It was not clear how long Mr. Pezeshkian and Mr. Araghchi would stay in the U.S. after Mr. Pezeshkian addressed the annual UN gathering of world leaders on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that “if there’s an opportunity to exchange ideas and messages, we will.”

The British military said on Saturday (April 18, 2026) that two gunboats from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on a tanker transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran said it has reimposed restrictions on the vital waterway.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center said the tanker and crew were reported safe, without identifying the vessel or its destination.

A day after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran said on Friday (April 17, 2026) the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” for commercial vessels for the remainder of the two-week U.S.-Iran truce. Mr. Trump “thanked” Iran for reopening the critical waterway but said the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports would continue until there is a deal between Tehran and Washington.

Oil prices fell on Friday (April 17, 2026) after the strait was declared open.