New York: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US eased military pressure, lifted its blockade on Iranian ports and formally committed to negotiations. His statements were made during diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly this week
Araghchi said Washington would need to declare that it wanted a diplomatic settlement and agree on a timetable for further steps. Iran reportedly delivered its proposal to the US through mediators on September 16, while its delegation in New York said it has been authorised to pursue diplomatic contacts.
No ceasefire agreement or reopening date has been announced, and military tensions in the region remain high.
The Strait of Hormuz entered the spotlight after the US launched a war against Iran in February, leading to Iran closing traffic through the strategic waterway, which provides export lanes for the majority of the gulf oil producing countries. Previously, about one fifth of global oil and petroleum supplies passed through the strait, along with a significant share of liquefied natural gas exports and other petroleum byproducts such as helium and plastics.
This latest development is not the first diplomatic push to achieve a negotiated settlement in a complicated and lengthy conflict, but many around the world hope it will be the last, with oil prices now at USD 100 a barrel driving inflation across the globe.
