U.S. and Iranian officials held separate discussions with mediators on Monday, September 28, 2026, attempting to break a seven-month conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and rattled global oil markets. Negotiations are currently anchored by an amended seven-day proposal submitted by Tehran during last week’s United Nations General Assembly.
The Terms of the Iranian Proposal
The framework centers on a total cessation of hostilities across Iran and Lebanon. Beyond the immediate ceasefire, the plan demands the unfreezing of Iranian assets, the removal of sanctions on oil exports, and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. According to an official briefed on the talks, as reported by Reuters, negotiators are now reviewing an amended version of this initial plan.
Araqchi Awaits a Washington Response
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi remains in New York to await a formal U.S. response. Araqchi stated that Iran’s conditions for de-escalation are clear and that any move to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime conduit for global oil transit—is contingent upon these requirements being met. He emphasized that Iran is waiting for a definitive position from Washington before determining its next diplomatic move.
Trump’s Shifting Diplomatic Posture
President Donald Trump confirmed that U.S. officials engaged with mediators on Monday, though he offered no specifics regarding the content of those discussions. On Saturday, Trump rejected the initial Iranian proposal, citing what he described as Iran’s need for a swift agreement due to economic pressure. By Sunday, however, he indicated to Axios that he expects U.S. negotiators to continue talks throughout the week.
The Shadow of Past Failures
This cycle of mediation follows two previous ceasefire attempts in April and June, both of which failed to hold. The conflict, which began in late February with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes, has kept vital waterways for oil choked. The resulting closure has fueled significant volatility in international energy markets.
Nuclear Ambitions and Market Stability
Reopening the Strait remains a primary objective for the international community. Beyond the ceasefire terms, the talks are expected to address the Iranian nuclear program and the U.S. objective of securing or eliminating the country’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. As of September 28, the Iranian Foreign Ministry maintained that mediators had not yet formally communicated a rejection of the proposal, keeping the window for further dialogue open.
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