US, Iran Set For Indirect Talks As Mediators Push Nuclear Compromise
Qatar mediates between Washington and Tehran over nuclear issues.
The United States and Iran could pursue indirect discussions this week through mediators as regional governments seek to revive diplomacy over the conflict and Tehran’s nuclear programme. Reuters reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was expected to remain in New York for discussions with Qatari mediators, while US representatives could separately meet the mediators. However, Iranian state media later reported that Iran’s delegation had no plans for a new round of negotiations with Washington in New York.
The reported mediation effort comes after Iran conveyed its positions to Washington through Qatar. According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, a source close to the Iranian delegation said Tehran was awaiting a response from the United States and that Araghchi was scheduled to return to Iran on Tuesday after completing his engagements at the United Nations General Assembly.
A key issue in the diplomatic efforts is the Strait of Hormuz, alongside Iran’s nuclear programme. Tehran has proposed conditions linked to ending the conflict and reopening the strategic waterway, while US officials have maintained that any agreement must address concerns over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. President Donald Trump has also indicated that he expects talks with Iran to resume, although no new direct meeting between the two sides had been confirmed.
Also Read: South Korean President Lee Thanks Turkmenistan For Helping Evacuate Citizens From Iran
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major element of the wider dispute because of its importance to global energy supplies. Before the current conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies moved through the waterway, and disruptions have contributed to volatility in energy markets. Iran has also sought a broader ceasefire and changes to sanctions and the US naval blockade as part of its proposals for ending the conflict.
The differing public positions underline the uncertainty surrounding the latest diplomatic push. While reports indicate that mediators are continuing efforts to bring Washington and Tehran closer to negotiations, Iran’s state media has denied that its delegation has a new US meeting scheduled. IRNA said Tehran’s positions had already been communicated through Qatar and that Iran was awaiting Washington’s response.
Financial markets have also been reacting to developments surrounding the dispute. Brent crude rose above $107 a barrel on Monday after the United States rejected Tehran’s proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz, according to market reports. The movement reflects continued sensitivity in energy markets to the possibility of prolonged disruption around the strategic waterway and uncertainty over the course of US-Iran diplomacy.
Also Read: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian Leaves India After Attending BRICS Summit
