Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, held discussions with Qatari mediators in New York on Monday concerning a proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Concurrently, a United States official indicated that any agreement to end the ongoing conflict would hinge on Iran addressing its nuclear program.

Araghchi stated to Iranian state media that the Qatari mediators would convey the proposals discussed to the U.S. and expressed hope for a response by Tuesday. The meetings are part of an ongoing exchange of messages facilitated by Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries, which Araghchi described as having intensified since Iran presented its plan.

The Iranian proposal, unveiled Friday at the United Nations General Assembly, requests the U.S. to unfreeze Iranian assets, lift sanctions, and cease its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Araghchi suggested these measures could be implemented within four to five days, paving the way for the strait's reopening and subsequent negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, including Iran's nuclear activities, by the seventh day.

However, U.S. President Donald Trump had previously dismissed the proposal on Saturday as "unacceptable." Despite this, a U.S. official speaking to Al Jazeera confirmed that indirect talks are ongoing and described them as "positive and constructive." The official reiterated that progress on Iran's nuclear program is a prerequisite for any agreement.

The U.S. official explained that President Trump is prepared to lift sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds in return for advancements on nuclear issues. "Iran has indicated they are flexible on the nuclear issues, but the sides still remain apart on the timing of the commitments and who takes which steps first," the official noted, while also expressing skepticism about Iran's commitment, citing past breaches of a June memorandum of understanding.

Araghchi indicated he would return to Tehran within hours, stating that the Qataris know how to reach the Iranian side with any response. The Iranian plan seeks to resolve outstanding issues through a phased approach, with initial confidence-building measures leading to broader negotiations.

This diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in the region, with the Strait of Hormuz being a critical chokepoint for global oil transit. The U.S. has consistently linked the easing of sanctions and potential normalization of relations to Iran's nuclear activities and regional behavior.

Further details on the specific "conditions" Iran seeks fulfilled, beyond the unfreezing of funds and lifting of sanctions, were not elaborated upon by Araghchi. The U.S. official's comments highlight a significant gap in the timelines and sequencing of actions expected from both sides, leaving the ultimate resolution of the conflict and nuclear standoff uncertain.