Iran Talks Stall as U.S. Sends Three Carriers to Gulf
The U.S. and Iran are deadlocked over which side should make the first move in negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran says a six-member committee is overseeing talks and insists on seven conditions, including an end to the naval blockade and oil-export ban. Meanwhile, three U.S. carriers are heading to the Gulf and the Treasury warned foreign banks of sanctions without notice.
Iran says it has received Washington's official response to its seven-day proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, yet the two sides disagree over who should move first. Tehran said a six-person panel within its Supreme National Security Council is overseeing talks; deputy speaker Hamidreza Hajibabaei called negotiations ongoing and said Iran must proceed from strength.
Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, leading Iran's negotiators, said the strait stays shut until seven conditions linked to June's Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding are met, including ending the U.S. naval blockade, lifting the oil-export ban, releasing frozen assets, and halting military action against Iran and its allies. Araghchi said it could reopen in seven days if Washington accepts.
A prolonged standoff could keep energy shipping through Hormuz uncertain, affecting consumers, importers, and Gulf economies. Military deployments may raise risks for service members and regional communities, while sanctions warnings could pressure foreign banks and businesses. With U.S. midterms approaching, the timing may shape political debate, but outcomes remain uncertain.