Iran and US remain far apart on Hormuz and hostilities

Iran and the United States remain far apart over proposals to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities, as Tehran’s negotiating delegation reportedly prepared to leave New York without plans for further direct negotiations. President Donald Trump said he expected more talks after rejecting an Iranian proposal, while Iranian officials privately doubt a deal can be reached before the U.S. midterm elections in November, according to people familiar with their views. Iran’s state news agency IRNA, citing an unnamed member of the negotiating team, said the delegation had no plans to negotiate with Washington and would return to Tehran on Tuesday, September 29. IRNA said Iran’s positions had been conveyed to the U.S. side through a Qatari mediator. The account did not establish whether other mediated discussions would continue after the delegation’s departure. Trump said Sunday that he expected further talks, but had rejected Tehran’s proposal to reopen the strait within seven days and return to discussions. Iran’s offer was conditional on U.S. steps, including lifting its naval blockade and oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets.