By New York Post (World News) | Created at 2026-09-25 21:20:48 | Updated at 2026-09-25 22:04:36
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US and Iranian negotiators are exploring a phased cease-fire deal aimed at opening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting Washington’s economic blockade on Tehran, according to multiple reports.
Delegates from the two warring countries met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly Thursday to discuss a deal similar to the memorandum of understanding struck in mid-June, sources told Reuters.
The negotiating teams fear that because neither side wants to surrender its leverage first, the only hope for peace is to secure a phased deal.
“One way forward would be to solve the crisis in stages. The first would be to end the blockade and reopen Hormuz,” a senior Iranian official told Reuters.
A US official told The Post the talks were “positive” and “constructive,” with the US in a strong position to negotiate as it continues to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
While top Iranian officials have ruled out making concessions to the US, the fact that they are now willing to negotiate suggests Tehran has recognized the pain inflicted on its economy under the American blockade and sanctions, a White House official claimed.
“Iran is desperate for a deal, President Trump holds all the cards and will make whatever decision is best for the United States,” the US official said.
Iranian officials, however, rejected the characterization and said Tehran would be ready for all outcomes, including war, if a deal isn’t reached.
“Our fingers are on the trigger,” an Iranian official told Reuters. “The Americans know what they need to do but, because of their excessive demands, the chances of diplomacy resolving this are extremely low.”
The discussions come as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in New York that he offered a new, seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US met certain conditions.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that the strait would not be reopened until US sanctions and the naval blockade were cleared.
Trump, meanwhile, warned earlier this week that he could choose to “annihilate” Iran as peace negotiations stalled.
Despite the threats and recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, talks of a peace deal have helped ease surging oil prices on Friday.
The Brent futures benchmark fell to $105.46 on Friday morning, down by 1.1%, with the West Texas Intermediate seeing a similar fall to $93.56.
With Post wires
