The President of the United States, Donald Trump, announced on Monday progress in negotiations with Iran to prevent a return to war. These statements came as Tehran reported on "intensive" exchanges and announced its readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions.
Political and Economic Tensions Ahead of US Midterm Elections
These diplomatic signals were released ahead of the midterm elections in the United States, where Trump's Republican Party is trying to maintain control of Congress amid voter dissatisfaction over conflicts and rising fuel prices. Trump wrote on his social media platform: "An agreement with Tehran may happen, and Iran wants to resolve things as soon as possible."
Read more: Seyed Abbas Araghchi: Iran has no plans to negotiate with the US
Indirect Talks and the Role of Mediators
The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced that indirect talks with Washington are ongoing through mediators. He added that Qatar and Pakistan are playing an active role in these negotiations. Additionally, Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters that he and Trump are optimistic about reaching an agreement and "we have certainly made progress."
A senior Iranian official stated that Tehran is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days if Washington agrees to its demands. This comes after Iran proposed in September to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which included ending the war on all fronts, releasing Iranian assets, and lifting oil sanctions.
The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Ismail Baqeri, said: "The possibility of implementing this plan within two days demonstrates Iran's goodwill approach."
International Developments and China's Positioning
In Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the war with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi informed Ali Baqeri, Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, that Beijing supports Tehran in "protecting its sovereignty and security." Trump also continued his threats against Iran, stating that the United States might give Iran the "hammer" in the future.
Baqeri warned that any aggressive action would face a "strong, immediate, and comprehensive" response.
Read more: Seyed Abbas Araghchi: We do not rule out any possibility of war · Iranian negotiators in Doha for the end of the US-Iran war
