In brief
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated a two‑day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, citing it as evidence of Iran’s good faith. While a ceasefire and memorandum of understanding have been signed, the U.S. remains a pending factor in the negotiations. Analysts note uncertainty around the full scope of U.S. demands and the timeline for a possible agreement.
At a press conference in Tehran on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated that the country’s two‑day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains on the table. Baghaei said the proposal is a “clear sign of Iran’s utmost good faith” and urged Washington to meet its conditions if it “has correctly understood its people’s message.” The statement follows a tense history of missile and drone attacks, a recent ceasefire, and a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington.
Baghaei appealed that the Strait, a critical conduit for global oil supplies, can be reopened “within two days if the United States meets Iran’s demands.” He highlighted that the plan is the “most logical proposal” available and said if Washington aligns with Tehran, West Asia would witness “positive events” and security would be restored. The spokesman also stressed that the United States should make a decision in the context of the region’s stability and collective interests.
Iran and the U.S. had previously agreed on a seven‑day proposal in September to cease hostilities and restart the passage of the strait. The Iranian side later stated it was ready to shorten this period to two days should Washington accept Tehran’s conditions. The announcement comes amid a backdrop of a forced ceasefire on April 8, an 18‑June memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities, and a 60‑day negotiation window that closed on August 17 without a final deal.
Background and Context
On February 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, prompting Tehran to carry out waves of missile and drone strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in the region. Those exchanges tightened Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping is crucial to the global energy market. A ceasefire was then agreed on April 8, leading to a tentative easing of tensions.
The 18‑June memorandum of understanding set a goal to end the war on all fronts, establishing a 60‑day window for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions removal. The target date, August 17, passed without a conclusive agreement, indicating ongoing impasses and persistent mistrust between the two sides.
In the context of the current dialogue, the focus remains on the mechanism to lift restrictions and restore commerce through the strait. According to the Xinhua report, the 2‑day plan is “indicative of the country’s utmost good faith.” It is therefore positioned as a symbolic gesture of willingness to resolve the most pressing maritime security issue in the region.
Our position regarding the negotiations is completely clear and transparent. Iran’s two‑day plan per se is indicative of the country’s utmost good faith.
Esmaeil Baghaei, Foreign Ministry spokesman, told reporters during the weekly press conference.
It is the most logical proposal. If the United States meets Iran’s demands, the West Asia region will witness the unfolding of positive events within two days and security will be restored.
Esmaeil Baghaei
Analyzing the development, NBC News reported that Iran has defended its 2‑day proposal after the U.S. rejected what it called “outrageous” conditions. The outlet noted a scheduled meeting between a U.S. president and an Iranian counterpart, but the article left the U.S. conditions unspecified. The report suggests that the U.S. stance remains a critical factor in determining whether the plan will be adopted.
While Tehran has left open the possibility of reducing the implementation period, the exact terms of the U.S. demands – ranging from sanctions relief to diplomatic assurances – remain undisclosed. Analysts warn that a major stumbling block for a swift resolution may hinge on whether Washington can satisfy Iran’s security and political expectations without compromising its own strategic priorities in the Middle East.
The Strait of Hormuz, home to 30% of the world’s oil exports, has long been a flashpoint. Any disruption can ripple financially across global markets. The 2‑day plan signals an attempt by Iran to reduce uncertainty and to capitalize on diplomatic leverage, but its success will largely depend on the willingness of U.S. negotiators to align with Tehran’s conditions.
Amid the stalled negotiations, observers note that the deadline set for finalizing a deal on August 17 has already passed, and a reprieve may require a fresh set of agreements on security assurances and economic incentives. The timeline for progress on the strait’s reopening is now contingent upon negotiations that may extend through the remainder of the year.
In sum, while Iran maintains its position that a brief window could restore the flow of goods and oil, the path ahead is blocked by an array of unresolved diplomatic demands. The next steps will likely involve direct talks between the U.S. and Iranian leadership, a process that could shape the future of maritime security and economic stability across the globe.