Iran Engages US in Intensive Talks to Avert War and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
Iran confirmed that it has engaged Washington in intensive indirect negotiations via mediators to avert a war outbreak, while offering to reopen the blockaded Strait of Hormuz under strict conditions.
Qatar and Pakistan Mediate Intensive Diplomatic Talks
Given the sensitivity and gravity of the current situation, consultations and deliberations are very intensive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in a video interview with the official IRNA news agency, as reported by france24.com. Araghchi noted that Qatar and Pakistan are playing a very active mediating role in these negotiations. The Axios news outlet reported that US Vice President JD Vance sent a letter to Iranian national security chief Mohsen Rezaei regarding possible new talks, marking the highest-level diplomatic move between the two nations in months.
The redoubled diplomatic push coincides with the US midterm elections. Dissatisfession over the ongoing conflict and higher fuel prices are weighing heavily on US President Donald Trump’s Republicans, with Democrats expecting to win at least partial control of Congress.
Conditions for Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
Oil prices dropped more than six percent on Monday following optimism over steps to halt the conflict and potential resolution of the energy corridor blockade. A senior Iranian official stated that Tehran is ready to open the Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided Washington agrees to its list of demands.
In September, Iran proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the strategic export highway if the United States agreed to end the war on all fronts, unfreeze Iranian assets, lift oil sanctions, and end its counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters that the possibility of implementing the plan in two days demonstrates a good-faith approach.
The possibility of implementing this plan in two days is another indication of Iran’s good-faith approach. We have stated that, if Iran’s demands are met, it would be possible to restore security to the Strait of Hormuz and resume the negotiating process within a short period, Esmaeil Baghaei stated.
Baghaei emphasized that everything depends on the US side accepting these terms before subsequent stages can be discussed.
Global Powers Urge Peaceful Resolution
International diplomatic engagement intensified alongside the indirect US-Iran talks. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman traveled to Beijing for discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping concerning the conflict, in what represents the Gulf state leader’s inaugural trip to China following the formal establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations. An Omani statement noted that both sides called for resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means, urging the United States and Iran to pursue a peaceful path, achieve a ceasefire, and prevent war entirely.
China also held meetings with Iranian and Saudi officials in Beijing on Monday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed Ali Bagheri, deputy secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, that Beijing supports Tehran in safeguarding its own sovereignty and security. Bagheri responded that Tehran’s stance on defending its national security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty remains unchanged.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also spoke by telephone with Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei regarding the ongoing conflict, according to Iranian state media.
Trump Warns of Strikes as Iran Claims Victory
Mohammad Reza Aref, serving as Iran’s First Vice President, asserted that communications received from Washington amounted to a direct admission of Tehran’s triumph.
Conversely, President Trump maintained his warnings during a campaign rally, stating that at some point the US is going to have to give them the hammer. Mentioning lingering military objectives, Trump specified that he still needed to address one or two locations, including Pickaxe mountain situated in central Iran, which is suspected by authorities of housing nuclear activities despite Tehran’s denials.
Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated Tehran’s firm stance against any renewed military action. Baghaei cautioned that any hostile action or military strike against Iran, regardless of the methods used, will encounter a severe, immediate, and comprehensive reaction from Tehran.
As indirect talks continue through mediators, the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and efforts to avert a return to war remain contingent on whether Washington accepts Iranian demands regarding issues including unfreezing assets and lifting oil sanctions.