U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday progress in talks with Iran to prevent a return to war. This comes as Tehran has reported "intensive" exchanges in this regard and stated that it is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions.
Diplomatic Signals and Midterm Elections
These new diplomatic signals have emerged on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections on Tuesday, in which Trump's Republican Party is striving to maintain control of Congress. In this context, voter dissatisfaction with existing tensions and rising fuel prices is a critical issue.
Read more: U.S. Government Indicates Possible Reduction in Military Attacks Against Iran
Trump wrote on his social media platform: "A deal with Tehran may be possible. Iran wants to reach an agreement as soon as possible." However, hours later, reports emerged of a U.S. attack on Iran, which, according to a source, was the latest in a series of limited attacks secretly conducted against the Islamic Republic in recent weeks.
Status of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's Demands
Iranian state media reported that five explosions occurred simultaneously on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Additionally, oil prices fell by more than seven percent due to optimism regarding the potential end of these tensions.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, announced on Monday that indirect talks with Washington are ongoing through intermediaries. He added: "Given the sensitivity and severity of the current situation, consultations and negotiations are very intensive." Qatar and Pakistan are playing an active mediating role in these discussions.
J.D. Vance, the Vice President, also stated that he and Trump are optimistic about reaching an agreement, saying: "We have certainly made progress. We will see if we can move further or not." Meanwhile, China has also called for a return to diplomacy, and the President of Iran has discussed these tensions with Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia.
In a message sent from Iran to Washington, Iranian officials stated that the country is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, provided that the United States responds positively to Iran's demands. In September, Iran had proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which included ending the war on all fronts, releasing Iranian assets, lifting sanctions, and ending the blockade of Iranian ports.
Read more: Abbas Araghchi Announces Iran's Conditions for Agreement with the U.S. · Republicans in Final Push to Prevent Democrats from Winning in U.S. Midterm Elections
