Iran proposes seven-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz

During the United Nations General Assembly in New York in late September 2026, Iran proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi communicated the offer via mediators to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The Iranian conditions for reopening the passage include the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, the release of frozen Iranian assets, the reduction of U.S. military pressure, and a comprehensive end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon.

While President Donald Trump initially used aggressive rhetoric, threatening to potentially 'obliterate' the Islamic Republic, he later acknowledged that U.S. and Iranian officials held a 'very good' three-hour meeting. The White House has described the ongoing indirect dialogue as positive and constructive. Although President Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to New York, it was confirmed that no direct meeting between him and Donald Trump would take place.

Negotiations remain in a sensitive phase as both sides navigate deep differences. While Iran insists on the June framework for a deal, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that significant work remains and emphasized that the U.S. retains military options to ensure the strait remains open. The dialogue is expected to continue via international intermediaries in the coming days.