CAIRO (AP) — Mediators are continuing discussions with Iran and the United States to broker a deal aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's recent rejection of Iran's proposal, according to three regional officials and a senior U.S. official. The indirect talks are set to resume on Monday, as the ongoing conflict, which has caused global economic repercussions, enters its eighth month. Previous attempts to ensure safe shipping in this critical waterway have not succeeded.
The officials revealed that negotiations are ongoing even after Trump dismissed an Iranian proposal that included reopening the strait within a week, contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade of Iranian ports, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and waiving sanctions on Iranian oil sales, among other conditions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi remains in New York following last week's U.N. General Assembly, awaiting confirmation from mediators regarding Trump's rejection. Qatar is facilitating the mediation process.
Despite Trump's aggressive rhetoric, he is reportedly open to a non-military resolution if achievable, according to the senior U.S. official. However, there are concerns about Iran's willingness to meet Trump's conditions for an agreement.
Two officials confirmed that mediators are working on a proposal that would involve reopening the strait and lifting the U.S. blockade, followed by the removal of sanctions. The draft being discussed suggests that the strait would reopen in line with a separate agreement Iran is negotiating with Oman, which would involve no tolls for shipping traffic.
The U.S. has not officially rejected the current proposal, suggesting that Trump's comments may have been a negotiating strategy, according to the officials.
One regional official indicated that the U.S. seeks concessions from Iran regarding its nuclear program, including allowing international inspectors access to the country. A previous Memorandum of Understanding signed in June had aimed to address Iran's nuclear program over a 60-day period, but it collapsed shortly after.
Some officials reported positive signals from both sides, with one noting 'slight progress' over the weekend. Mediators are working to ease the positions of both parties.
The White House has not responded to requests for comment.
While Iran's latest proposal mirrors the June deal, it emphasizes a quicker timeline. Araghchi mentioned in a closed-door meeting that the deal could benefit Trump in the upcoming midterm elections, stating that the seven-day timeline would commence once the U.S. accepts the plan.
Both nations are facing economic challenges; the U.S. is dealing with high oil prices due to Iranian attacks on shipping in the strait, while Iran is suffering from the blockade and increasing U.S. sanctions affecting its oil sales. Brent crude prices are currently above $108.
The two sides have been attempting to outlast each other amid ongoing missile and drone attacks, with Iran claiming to target U.S. military assets in the region.
In a rare statement attributed to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran noted the 'painful blows' inflicted on enemy forces near the strait, suggesting that the Arabian Sea would soon be free of them.
Iran's latest proposal aims to cease fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, a new front has emerged with Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are positioned near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, further impacting global energy markets.
Iran maintains that the Houthis have their own demands and that their conflict with Saudi Arabia is distinct from the U.S.-Iran conflict, but Iranian officials have expressed willingness to assist in reaching a settlement between the Houthis and the Saudis.