Iran has indicated it is ready to restart diplomatic talks with the United States as President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump prepare to attend the UN General Assembly in New York.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Gulf shipping within days if Washington removes its blockade.
The official described the UN gathering as an important chance to bring diplomacy back to the centre of efforts to end the conflict between the two countries.
Iran has reportedly sent a new proposal to the US through mediators. The official said Iran’s delegation has authority to discuss the proposal, although no direct meeting between Trump and Pezeshkian has been scheduled.
The two presidents are expected to attend the same international event for the first time since Trump launched military operations against Iran in February.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington was open to talks with Iran during the UN meeting if they could lead to progress towards resolving the conflict.
The conflict is also creating serious concerns for Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Trump is expected to meet leaders from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The Gulf states want shipping through Hormuz restored but remain concerned about Iran gaining greater influence over regional security.
Saudi Arabia has also faced growing pressure from fighting involving the Iran-aligned Houthi movement in Yemen. The Houthis have pushed back forces supported by Riyadh and are seeking greater control around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.
Saudi Arabia has also been working to restore oil exports through its East-West Pipeline and the Red Sea port of Yanbu after attacks disrupted the route.
Qatar has proposed a wider security framework involving Iran and the Gulf Arab states, according to regional sources.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said lasting regional security would require guarantees for Gulf states and stronger economic links with Iran.
One regional source said Iran was reviewing the proposal.
Meanwhile, fighting in Yemen has displaced more than 130,000 people this month, while the UN refugee agency warned that further displacement could occur as violence continues near the Bab el-Mandeb area.
