Qatari mediators push new round of US-Iran talks

Qatari mediators were expected to hold separate talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York and with the U.S. delegation on Monday and Tuesday, in a fresh push over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program. The talks center on an amended version of the seven-day plan Iran presented at the UN General Assembly: an end to hostilities in Iran and Lebanon, unfreezing of Iranian assets, an end to oil sanctions and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports — after which Tehran would reopen the strait and resume nuclear talks.

President Trump rejected the proposal on Saturday — "They overplayed their hand" — but told Axios on Sunday he expects more talks this week. Araghchi said Tehran was still awaiting Washington's definitive position through the mediators, while U.S. officials insist any deal needs verifiable nuclear concessions first. The standoff continues a nearly seven-month war pitting the U.S. and Israel against Iran; oil prices climbed Monday as traders weighed the rejection.

Sources: TBS News (Reuters), Particle.