The United States and Iran held separate discussions with mediators on September 28 as diplomatic efforts resumed to find a path toward ending the seven-month conflict, with both sides continuing to communicate indirectly rather than through direct negotiations.
The latest discussions are expected to focus on an amended version of a seven-day proposal presented by Iran during the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was waiting for Washington’s definitive response to its proposal and conditions concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Under Iran’s proposal, hostilities in Iran and Lebanon would end, Iranian assets would be unfrozen, sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports would be lifted and the US blockade on Iranian ports would be removed. In return, Iran would allow the Strait of Hormuz to reopen and resume negotiations over its nuclear program.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a central issue in the negotiations because it is a major route for global oil shipments. Restrictions on maritime traffic have contributed to disruptions in energy markets and increased pressure on the global economy.
US President Donald Trump said American officials had separately spoken with mediators, while also indicating that additional negotiations could take place during the week. Iranian officials, meanwhile, said mediators had not formally delivered a final US rejection of Tehran’s proposal.
Qatar and Pakistan have been involved in the mediation process, with Qatar continuing to relay proposals between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials said new ideas discussed through Qatari mediators were being conveyed to the US side, with Tehran expecting a response as early as September 30.
The latest effort follows two earlier mediated ceasefire agreements in April and June that did not hold. The continuing diplomatic contacts therefore come as both governments weigh proposals involving military de-escalation, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the strategic waterway.
No final agreement has been announced, and the outcome of the renewed mediation remains dependent on whether Washington and Tehran can reconcile their differing conditions for ending the conflict and restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
