Iran Weighs Hormuz Proposal, Rules Out Immediate Talks

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a proposal being discussed with Qatari mediators could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, but Tehran has no immediate plans for direct talks with Washington. Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said Iran has not officially changed its nuclear doctrine and described a recent U.S. letter delivered through Qatar as a sign Washington’s tone had softened; Tehran said its negotiating conditions remain in place. The proposal comes amid stalled negotiations over sanctions relief and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, with Iran considering proposals involving inspections and sanctions relief. President Donald Trump said the United States is in no rush to reach a deal, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Trump has not decided whether to resume military strikes and prefers a diplomatic resolution. Washington said it remains prepared to use force and is helping protect Gulf shipping and air defenses; Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that any renewed U.S. or Israeli attack would prompt a geographically unrestricted response.