US response reaches Iran as Hormuz talks enter key phase

Diplomatic efforts to break the deadlock between the United States and Iran have entered a potentially important phase, with Tehran receiving Washington’s response to an Iranian seven-day confidence-building proposal through Qatari mediators.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Qatari mediators in Doha on Tuesday night, where he was briefed on the US position regarding the proposal, according to an Iranian official familiar with the talks. Reuters also reported that Araghchi was expected to return to Tehran and consult Iran’s leadership on the American response.

The latest exchange comes as both sides continue to explore an indirect diplomatic channel despite major differences over how any agreement should be implemented.

The central dispute reportedly concerns the sequence of steps under the seven-day plan. The proposal is intended to rebuild trust and create a pathway toward reviving and expanding an earlier US-Iran memorandum of understanding reached in June.

Under Tehran’s proposal, Iran has offered to restore normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington meets its conditions. The plan also envisages a return to broader negotiations, including discussions related to Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy route, making its status a major concern for regional governments and international markets. The latest diplomatic efforts have therefore attracted attention well beyond Washington and Tehran.

Iran has said its conditions include measures concerning US sanctions, the naval blockade and other issues. Iranian officials have maintained that progress depends on Washington meeting Tehran’s stated requirements before the strait can return to normal operations.

US President Donald Trump had previously rejected the Iranian seven-day proposal, but indirect contacts have continued through mediators. Qatar has played a central role in carrying messages between the two sides, while Pakistan has also been involved in diplomatic efforts.

The latest development suggests that, despite public disagreements, communication channels between Washington and Tehran remain active. However, the exchange of proposals has not yet produced a final agreement.

Araghchi’s consultations in Tehran are expected to help determine Iran’s next response to Washington. The key question now is whether the two sides can agree on the order and timing of reciprocal steps.

For the moment, diplomacy remains active, but the broader issues—including the Strait of Hormuz, economic sanctions, hostilities and Iran’s nuclear programme—remain unresolved. No final agreement or formal announcement ending the conflict has been made.