NYT: Iran proposes a 7-day plan to end the war with the US - Milliyet

Milliyet AppUygulamayı AçWebWeb'de Devam Et ENNYT: Iran proposes a 7-day plan to end the war with the USNewsNyt: Iran Proposes A 7-Day Plan To End The War With The UsNYT: Iran proposes a 7-day plan to end the war with the US25.09.2026 - 17:09 | Last Updated: 25.09.2026 - 17:09

According to a report in The New York Times (NYT), the United Nations (UN) 81st General Assembly, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Erakchi held a press conference and stated that the Tehran government had proposed a seven-day plan to Washington aimed at halting hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to traffic, and subsequently launching comprehensive nuclear negotiations.

Erakchi noted that the proposal bears a strong resemblance to the commitments outlined in the memorandum of understanding reached between the U.S. and Iran in June—which collapsed shortly thereafter—and that it is ready to be implemented immediately if Washington accepts it. He added:

“Through mediators, we presented a plan to the U.S. stating that, provided certain conditions are met, the Strait of Hormuz would be opened by the end of the seventh day and negotiations would resume.”

Finally, Erakchi added that it would be better to reach an agreement before the U.S. midterm elections.

An American official familiar with the talks argued that while the administration is conducting positive and constructive contacts through mediators, the U.S. is in no hurry to reach an agreement.

The report noted that Iran’s proposal came to the fore during a period when U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Mesud Pezeşkiyan were exchanging harsh messages from the UN podium.

The newspaper’s report recalled that Trump had threatened to “destroy” Iran if no agreement was reached, while Pezeşkiyan stated that his country would not be subjected to bullying.

Under the terms of the plan, it was claimed that all hostilities—including those in Lebanon—must cease for seven days; the U.S. must unfreeze Iranian funds estimated at at least $12 billion; lift sanctions on Iranian oil; and end the naval blockade.

The report suggested that following these steps, the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened on the final day, and nuclear negotiations would begin immediately.

It was reported that Trump stated his primary goal was to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and that he would achieve this either through a diplomatic settlement or through new attacks.

The report noted that the two countries have been at war for approximately seven months. The war began in late February with U.S. and Israeli airstrikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and members of its military command, It was recalled that while Trump initially said the war would last a few weeks, it has had widespread effects on global oil, energy, and food prices.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, commenting on the diplomatic talks, reported that the three-hour meeting held under Qatari mediation did not result in a compromise.

In contrast, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Erakchi, who will continue his talks in New York through September 28, exchanged messages via Qatar on September 22 with U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Following Erakchi, who described the talks as “productive,” Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi also announced that new talks were on the horizon.

The report highlighted that the Iranian economy is under heavy pressure due to sanctions, rising inflation on basic foodstuffs, medicine shortages, and disruptions to trade.

According to analysts, Trump must strike a balance between the political gains from ending the war ahead of the midterm elections and maintaining economic pressure on Tehran.

Ali Vaez, Director of the Crisis Group’s Iran Project and an advisor to the President, described the proposal as a “wise move.”

Vaez emphasized that the plan is attractive to Trump because it would end a war that lacks public support and lower energy prices ahead of the midterm elections, while also restoring terms favorable to Iran.

Vaez also noted that shortening the timeline for nuclear negotiations presents an attractive option for Trump.