Iran has presented a 'seven-day plan' to the United States for formal ceasefire discussions.
On September 24, Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, announced at a press conference during the UN General Assembly that the plan aims to serve as a foundation for discussions on reopening the Hormuz Strait and ultimately ending the war.
He stated that the plan closely resembles the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreed upon by the U.S. and Iran in June, and includes provisions for both countries to meet specific conditions within seven days. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is prepared to implement the plan immediately if the U.S. agrees.
The Islamabad MOU consists of 14 articles outlining discussions on reopening and key issues such as the nuclear program during a 60-day temporary ceasefire. During this period, the U.S. is expected to lift sanctions, including maritime blockades against Iran, while Iran would allow free passage through the Hormuz Strait.
Araghchi remarked, "We have presented the plan to the U.S. through intermediary countries. If specific conditions are met, the Hormuz Strait will be opened in seven days, and ceasefire discussions will resume." He added, "The plan is very clear. If they (the U.S.) accept it, the schedule will begin the next day, and the Hormuz Strait will be opened in seven days."
However, he noted that Iran is not in a rush to finalize the agreement, stating, "It would be much better if an agreement is reached before the U.S. midterm elections."
This comes as rising oil prices due to the Iran conflict pose a potential challenge for President Donald Trump ahead of the November 3 midterm elections, with speculation that Iran is leveraging this situation for negotiations. Trump has recently asserted that the war with Iran will conclude around the time of the midterms.
Ali Vaez, the Iran director at the International Crisis Group, described Iran's seven-day plan as a "smart move" in an interview with the New York Times, suggesting it is an appealing proposal for Trump while also reviving favorable negotiation conditions for Iran.
Although the U.S. and Iran agreed to the Islamabad MOU in June and began ceasefire discussions, these talks have effectively stalled following U.S. claims of Iranian attacks on vessels in the Hormuz Strait, which prompted military operations.
Nevertheless, the U.S. has allowed entry visas for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Araghchi's delegation to the UN General Assembly, raising the possibility of diplomatic solutions. Reports indicate that the Iranian and U.S. delegations have been engaging in indirect discussions through intermediaries during the assembly.
However, both sides exchanged accusations during the UN General Assembly. On September 22, Trump referred to Iran as a "rogue state" in his speech, threatening to "obliterate" it. In response, President Pezeshkian emphasized the next day that "Iran is a victim of U.S. terrorism" and will not surrender to the U.S. Notably, both delegations left the room during each other's speeches, drawing attention.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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