US open to Iran talks at UN as Tehran offers to reopen Hormuz
Iran offers to reopen Hormuz within 7 days if US takes initial steps to ease military pressure: report
NEW YORK: The United States is open to holding talks with Iranian officials on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday, as Tehran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington eases military pressure.
Rubio said no meeting with Iranian officials had been scheduled but Washington remained open to discussions if they could produce a positive outcome.
The US secretary of state said the central objective remained preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The comments came as an Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf shipping within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. The proposal was also reported by Japan’s Kyodo News.
The Iranian official said the proposal had been conveyed to Washington through mediators and could pave the way for renewed negotiations aimed at achieving a lasting end to hostilities.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, travelled to New York for the UN General Assembly, saying his delegation would present Iran’s position on the conflict and seek to highlight what Tehran describes as attacks against its people.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the delegation’s main objective was to defend the “legitimacy, rights, and interests” of the Iranian people. He also criticised the United Nations, saying trust in the organisation had declined because of its handling of international conflicts.
Iran signals diplomatic opening
Iranian officials have continued to indicate that diplomacy remains possible despite the military confrontation.
An IRGC spokesperson said negotiations could take place alongside military preparedness, describing diplomacy as another arena for pursuing national interests. The official said Iran remained prepared for a prolonged conflict while retaining the option of negotiations.
The developments came as international efforts intensified around the UN General Assembly to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a major global energy route.
France is also working on a possible UN Security Council resolution aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the strait, according to diplomatic sources cited by AFP.
Saudi Arabia-Yemen fighting intensifies
The regional crisis has also widened as fighting between Saudi-backed Yemeni forces and the Iran-aligned Houthis intensified.
Houthi sources reported civilian deaths from Saudi airstrikes in Yemen, while military sources from both sides told AFP that more than 150 people had been killed in fighting, airstrikes and artillery exchanges over two days.
The G7 foreign ministers meanwhile called on the Houthis to immediately stop military actions and attacks against civilian shipping. They also called on Iran to end its arming and support for the group.
Saudi Arabia has also faced attacks and security alerts amid the escalation, while international governments have discussed additional measures to protect shipping and energy infrastructure.
Pressure on Iranian airlines
The United States is also increasing economic pressure on Iran’s aviation sector.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iranian commercial airlines could face measures designed to restrict their ability to operate internationally. Iran’s national carrier, Iran Air, said it had not received official instructions from aviation authorities in neighbouring countries to suspend flights to Istanbul, Baku or Najaf.
China criticised the threatened sanctions, with its foreign ministry saying Beijing opposed unilateral sanctions that it considers inconsistent with international law.
International efforts to reopen Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central focus of diplomatic and economic efforts as disruptions to shipping continue to affect energy markets.
French President Emmanuel Macron said he and US President Donald Trump discussed efforts to reopen the waterway and increase shipping through the strait during talks in New York.
France has also sought cooperation with India on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb, while French officials welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between Iran and the United States.
The European Union has separately discussed strengthening its naval presence in the Red Sea, where attacks by the Houthis have affected commercial shipping. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc’s Aspides maritime mission requires additional naval and air assets amid the worsening security situation.
With the UN General Assembly bringing Iranian, US and other regional officials together in New York, diplomatic efforts over Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and the wider regional conflict are now taking place alongside continued military tensions.
