Source: Sharecast
According to Kyodo News, citing a senior Iranian government official, the proposal - which has already been conveyed to Washington through mediators - calls for renewed talks aimed at reaching a permanent end to hostilities between the two countries.
It was understood that Tehran plans to use the UN General Assembly gathering this week in New York to consult with countries acting as intermediaries.The official ruled out a meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump on the fringes of the gathering, but said progress towards an agreement remains possible.
"There is a possibility of moving toward an agreement," the official said, adding that Washington must demonstrate "seriousness and commitment" if diplomacy is to advance.
The official told Kyodo that Iran was seeking signs from Washington that it is prepared to return to negotiations and take steps toward ending the US military blockade of Iranian ports and a halt to military operations related to the Strait of Hormuz. If such steps are taken, Iran is prepared to reopen the strategic waterway within seven days and return to the negotiating table, according to the official.
The official said the new initiative has been approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council.
Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei said on Saturday that Tehran had presented Washington with seven conditions, including an end to the blockade of Iranian ports and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. The Iranian official who spoke to Kyodo News did not say whether the latest proposal amounted to a partial relaxation of any of those conditions.
According to the official, the council decided on 16 August that Iran would retain the option of carrying out another attack on US forces if Washington failed to lift the blockade of Iranian ports within 45 days.
At 1135 BST, Brent crude was down 2% at $98.31 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate was 2.8% lower at $93.15.