Iran offers 7-day plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran negotiations

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in Baghdad on Sunday that Tehran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days is still being offered to the United States. He said the plan was presented in September after an interim cease-fire collapsed and added that Iran is reviewing comments from Washington, but believes the United States has not been honest about its intentions.

The United States maintains that the strait remains open for commercial traffic, with U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins noting that about 97% of ships have transited successfully despite Iranian attacks. Hawkins said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' actions are "unjustified" and have not achieved the goal of closing the waterway.

Araghchi said the strait could be reopened within six days if Washington accepts Iran's conditions, with peace talks to resume the following day. The U.S. has insisted that any negotiations must begin with Iran's nuclear program, and Vice President JD Vance has called for a "meaningful" reduction in Tehran's uranium enrichment capacity.

Vance also linked higher fuel prices to Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and to reduced U.S. refining capacity, stating that the Trump administration is using the Defense Production Act to increase domestic refining.

Iran's parliament approved Mehrdad Akhlaqi Ketabchi as defense minister, replacing an interim leader. Akhlaqi warned that any further U.S. miscalculation could provoke a strong response from Iran and its allies.

With President Donald Trump pausing U.S. strikes in the region, Saudi Arabia has stepped up its campaign against Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen. Egypt announced it is ready to provide Saudi Arabia with military support if requested, citing the need to protect its security and regional stability.