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Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced at the UN that Tehran has presented Washington, via Qatari mediators, a 'concrete' seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume normal maritime passage and nuclear talks, saying 'the choice rests with the US.' A US official described talks with Iran through mediators as 'positive and constructive,' and reports indicate the two sides are discussing a phased deal to reopen Hormuz and end the US blockade, though Iran insists it will make no concessions on its nuclear program. Neither side wants to appear to give up leverage first, but both reportedly prefer a resolution before the US midterm elections. Despite this diplomatic opening, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump has rejected Iran's ceasefire proposal and expects to renew military strikes after the midterms, suggesting the fragile truce reached after fighting resumed in June remains at risk. The talks mark the first direct US-Iran contact since Trump's threat to 'annihilate' Iran, underscoring how high fuel prices and pressure ahead of elections are shaping both sides' calculations over the war's future.