US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the United States is engaged in productive talks with Iran. In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that Washington will not attack Tehran before the US midterm elections. He claimed that Iran is in a difficult situation economically and militarily, and that the sanctions will remain in place. Trump also mentioned that oil is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz in record numbers.
Trump provided specific numbers, stating that 22 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz the previous night, none of which came from or went to Iran. He reiterated that the US will not attack Iran before the midterm elections, scheduled for November 3. Trump also asserted that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons. His comments come amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on Thursday, stating that negotiations with the US are ongoing through exchanged messages. Araghchi mentioned that Iran is studying a US proposal and will respond within days. He noted that the negotiations are taking place through intermediaries, with Iran having presented a plan titled the "Seven-Day Plan" to reduce escalation and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Araghchi provided more details on the plan, which was introduced in late September. The plan aims to reduce tensions and pave the way for renewed negotiations with the US. However, Washington did not accept the plan in its proposed form, according to US media. Tensions between the US and Iran have been high since February 28, when the US and Israel launched a war on Iran.
The conflict resulted in thousands of deaths, with Iran responding with attacks on Israel and US sites in regional countries. The US subsequently launched attacks on Iranian sites, amid stalled negotiations between the two countries. Despite signing a memorandum of understanding in mid-June, the talks have stalled due to disagreements over navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global energy and commodity supplies. The US and Iran have been at odds over the issue, with the US pushing for greater freedom of navigation and Iran seeking to restrict access. The situation remains tense, with both sides engaging in a war of words and actions.
The ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran are being closely watched, with many hoping for a breakthrough. However, with the US midterm elections approaching, it remains to be seen whether a deal can be reached. Key issues, including Iran's nuclear program and the US sanctions, remain to be addressed.
Key points
- The US and Iran are engaged in productive talks, according to US President Donald Trump.
- Iran is studying a US proposal and will respond within days, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
- The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical point of contention between the US and Iran.
