How Iran Is Selling Washington an Off-Ramp

Abbas Araghchi outlined a seven-day plan to reopen the Persian Gulf to secure a pre-election deal with Washington—but will Tehran include a cessation at Bab al-Mandab, or keep the Red Sea burning?

In an interview with Iraq’s Al-Ikhbariya, published in full by IRNA today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi outlined the status of Iran’s indirect talks with Washington. Below are my three takeaways on the most critical points, followed by the full interview.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during an interview on Iraq’s Al-Ekhbariya network, where he discussed indirect negotiations with Washington, the status of the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Egypt defensive intervention, and regional proxy relationships