Akshay DidwaniyaMediators may meet Washington and Tehran separately on Monday or Tuesday. An official briefed on the process shared the details.
Mediators Set for Separate US Iran Talks
US Iran talks could take a new turn this week. Mediators working to settle the conflict may meet the American and Iranian sides separately on Monday or Tuesday. A major news agency reported the plan, citing an official briefed on the negotiations.
The agency shared the official’s words directly. “Mediators are expected to hold separate talks with the United States and Iran on Monday or Tuesday,” it reported.
Also Read | Iran US Talks Will Not Get a New Round in New York, Reports Say
Araghchi and Qatari Mediators Stay in the US
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi travelled to New York for the UN General Assembly. He and the Qatari mediators are still in the United States for now. The agency said the US Iran talks will focus on a changed version of Iran’s seven day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Also Read | Iran Open to US Talks but Ready for New War, Araghchi Warns
Trump Rejects Iran’s Offer
Earlier, Araghchi said Iranian officials had handed the American side a seven day plan to open the strait. US President Donald Trump said he had turned down the Iranian proposal. Even so, Araghchi said overnight into Sunday that Iran still waits for a final answer from the mediators. He made that point despite Trump’s statement.
Also Read | Trump Turns Down Iran’s Ceasefire Offer as Peace Talks Hit a Rough Patch
From Peace Memorandum to Renewed Strikes
In mid June, the United States and Iran signed a memorandum. It aimed to start the process of reaching a peace deal. Three weeks later, a new round of escalation began. Washington accused Tehran of firing on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. After that, both sides resumed trading strikes. Ships cannot currently pass freely through the strait, which sits at the heart of the US Iran talks.
Mayur Mohta
