Draft US-Iran deal takes shape, with Hormuz reopening on the table

DOHA – Iranian negotiators have left talks with Qatari mediators aimed at ending the war with the US, and a draft proposal is being circulated with a follow-up meeting possible, an official briefed on the talks said on Nov 2.

The negotiators left on Nov 1, though not because of difficulties in the negotiations, the official said, without giving details of the draft proposal.

Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the basis of the talks is a seven-step plan Iran drew up in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US naval blockade on Iran – with Tehran now suggesting that proposal could be implemented on a faster timeline under a deal.

Baghaei said Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi was in Doha to facilitate the exchange of messages with Washington via Qatari intermediaries.

“Our demands have been articulated very clearly and transparently. These demands are reasonable and logical: No final agreement can be initiated, nor can the Strait of Hormuz be reopened or secured, unless the US naval blockade is brought to an end, Iran’s demands are respected, and Iran’s legitimate requirements are addressed,” Baghaei said.

On Oct 21, Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that, under a deal, the Strait of Hormuz could be opened within a two-day timeline rather than within the seven days originally envisaged.

Iran’s initial proposal was rejected by US President Donald Trump.

The latest round of diplomacy comes amid concerns that the conflict could escalate again after the Nov 3 midterm elections in the US. Asked about Tehran’s view on the midterms, Baghaei said Tehran did not expect elections to “give birth to a new US”.

Trump has said the US would not launch new attacks on Iran before the vote, and that talks with Tehran have been productive, though he has not ruled out further military action. REUTERS