Iran's Gharibabadi Heads Home as Draft Strait Deal Heads to US
A seven-step plan to lift the naval blockade is being reviewed, with a two-day timeline proposed for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
By Layla Fontaine ·
Iranian negotiators departed from Doha on Sunday, ending the current round of discussions with Qatari mediators. An official briefed on the process said on Monday that a draft proposal is now being circulated to the United States. The official noted that the departure was not caused by a breakdown in the talks and that a follow-up meeting remains possible.
The diplomatic effort centers on a seven-step plan that Iran drafted in September. This proposal outlines the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval blockade. Iranian officials stated that Tehran is now open to implementing this framework on a faster schedule if a deal is reached.
Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, explained that deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi traveled to Doha to manage the exchange of messages with Washington. Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s positions are clear and logical. He stated that no final agreement can begin, and the strait cannot be secured, until the US naval blockade ends and Iran’s legitimate requirements are met.
On Saturday, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told the Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera that the Strait of Hormuz could be opened within two days under a new deal. This is a reduction from the seven-day timeline originally envisioned in the September proposal. Iran’s initial plan was previously rejected by President Donald Trump.
These negotiations take place while the United States prepares for its midterm elections on Tuesday. Baghaei said Tehran does not expect the upcoming vote to create a new direction for US policy. Trump has indicated that the United States will not launch new attacks on Iran before the election. He also described the current talks as productive, though he has not ruled out further military action in the future.
The conflict has raised concerns about potential escalation following the US midterms. The US naval blockade remains in place while the draft proposal is reviewed. The next step in the process depends on whether Washington accepts the accelerated timeline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
