- Tehran Signals Readiness for Renewed Diplomacy at UN General Assembly, Says Senior Official
NEW YORK: Iran could reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday.
The offer comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington and growing concerns over the security of shipping through the Strait, a critical route for global energy supplies. Senior Iranian official said Washington would first need to formally declare its intention to resolve the confrontation through diplomacy and agree on a timeline for negotiations.
Iran’s delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York has been given full authority to pursue a revival of diplomatic contacts with the United States, the official said.
“The UN General Assembly is a golden opportunity for the US to return to diplomacy,” the official said, adding that Tehran would welcome renewed negotiations if Washington takes tangible steps. According to the Iranian official, Tehran’s proposal for an agreement to end hostilities was conveyed to the United States through mediators on September 16.
The official said details of a possible agreement could be discussed in New York through intermediary countries as world leaders gather for the 81st UN General Assembly.
The proposal comes after Iran’s military central command said on Sunday that it had been informed of preparations by the United States to resume military operations with support from regional countries. Tehran warned that any renewed military action would trigger retaliation.
Pezeshkian Heads to New York
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran for New York on Tuesday to attend the UN General Assembly. However, the senior Iranian official said Pezeshkian is not expected to meet US President Donald Trump at the UN headquarters.
The latest Iranian proposal comes as diplomatic activity intensifies around the UN gathering, with Washington and Tehran facing pressure over the conflict and its wider regional and economic consequences.
Hormuz Remains Critical to Global Energy Flows
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major international energy chokepoint, and disruptions to shipping through the waterway have contributed to volatility in global oil markets. Reuters reported that only two commodity vessels crossed the strait on Monday, compared with a pre-conflict average of about 125 large commercial vessels per day.
Iran’s offer to reopen the waterway within seven days has also influenced energy markets, with oil prices falling on Tuesday amid expectations that a diplomatic opening could improve Gulf supply prospects.
BY: The Times Union
