Tehran is conducting intensive indirect talks with Washington via mediators to avoid a new round of US attacks ahead of the US midterm elections. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed the ongoing negotiations, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has authorized the government to pursue peace talks as fears of conflict with the US and Israel grow.
The discussions are based on a seven-step plan drawn up by Iran in September to end the U.S. naval blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas shipping lane. Iranian officials reported some progress in negotiating the reopening of the strait, even as they prepare for all-out war.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the timeline for the plan has been condensed from the original seven days and can now be implemented within two days. Baghaei described this change as an indication of Iran's good-faith approach, though he emphasized that everything depends on Washington agreeing to Iran's list of demands.