US–Iran talks stall over sequence of peace negotiations
Tehran proposes reopening the Strait of Hormuz before broader talks, while Washington wants the nuclear programme and other outstanding issues addressed together.
Indirect US–Iran talks remain stalled over which issues to address first. The latest discussions took place through Qatari mediation in New York, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was awaiting an official US response to its proposal.
Iran says it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days in exchange for US concessions, with wider peace talks to follow. Araghchi said the proposal was conveyed through Qatar last week and that Monday’s meeting with Qatari mediators focused on the strait.
The terms attributed to the proposal include lifting the US naval blockade, sanctions relief, releasing frozen Iranian assets and a wider regional ceasefire. No agreement has been reported. Araghchi said reports of a US rejection did not amount to a formal response, which he expected by Tuesday’s end.
Washington’s stated position is to address all outstanding issues together, especially Iran’s nuclear programme, rather than negotiate in stages. Reports of possible sanctions relief and asset releases have conflicted with President Donald Trump’s public denial.
The Strait of Hormuz has been closed since the conflict began and is subject to blockades by both sides. A June memorandum of understanding brokered through Pakistan quickly fell apart, adding to uncertainty over whether either side will accept the other’s proposed negotiating framework.
Both governments have signalled interest in diplomacy, but the talks remain deadlocked and the risk of renewed fighting persists.
