Iran said Monday, November 2, that it could reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within two days if the United States agreed to its conditions, offering a significantly accelerated timetable as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent another escalation of the eight-month conflict.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the proposal represented a revision of a seven-day plan submitted in September, which Washington initially rejected. The latest initiative is being discussed through Qatari mediators, although no agreement has been reached and significant differences remain between the two countries.
According to Reuters, the Associated Press and Qatar-based Al Jazeera, Iranian negotiators left Doha on Sunday after discussions with mediators, while a draft proposal continued circulating among the parties. An official familiar with the negotiations said their departure did not indicate a breakdown and that another meeting remained possible.
Tehran demands an end to US blockade and sanctions
Baghaei said reopening the waterway would depend on Washington ending its naval blockade of Iranian ports and addressing Tehran’s broader demands. These include easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports, releasing frozen assets and reaching arrangements intended to prevent further military escalation.
“The possibility of implementing this plan in two days is another indication of Iran’s good-faith approach,” Baghaei said, emphasizing that communications with Washington were continuing through intermediaries.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking to Al Jazeera over the weekend, outlined additional conditions, including recognition of revised shipping routes through the strait agreed with Oman, a reduction in American military deployments and an end to hostilities across the region, including Lebanon.
Iran also wants recently imposed American sanctions lifted before negotiations expand to other issues. The revised proposal would accelerate implementation of the original seven-stage arrangement, potentially restoring shipping and restarting diplomatic discussions within 48 hours of an agreement.
However, Washington has not publicly accepted these conditions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that diplomatic contacts were continuing but did not confirm a timetable.
Qatar mediation continues amid fears of renewed fighting
The latest negotiations come amid concerns that President Donald Trump could authorize new military operations against Iran after Tuesday’s US midterm elections.
Trump has described recent diplomatic exchanges as productive but has repeatedly left open the possibility of further attacks. Iranian officials have responded by warning that any renewed military operation would trigger retaliation against American and Israeli targets.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi traveled to Doha to facilitate communications with Washington through Qatari officials. Pakistan has also participated in mediation efforts, attempting to narrow the differences between the two sides.
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