Iran has submitted a new proposal to the United States regarding the nuclear issue through Qatar. However, talks on the proposal can only begin if Washington fulfills seven key demands set by Tehran.

A senior official from Iran's ruling Islamic government confirmed the development to Reuters on Thursday, stating: "We have learned through our mediating ally [Qatar] that the US is currently evaluating and reviewing the proposal."

Mediators have stepped up efforts to end the conflict amid fears that hostilities between Iran and the US could resume following the US midterm elections. On Tuesday, Trump signaled that the possibility of military operations resuming after the elections cannot be entirely ruled out, while Iran is planning larger-scale retaliation should war break out again.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to Russia on Thursday, Iran’s top security official Mohsen Rezaee said: "In terms of diplomacy, we have presented seven conditions to the Americans. Until they meet these seven conditions, we will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, nor will we sit down for any talks."

He added that Iran's seven conditions include the lifting of US sanctions, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, and the payment of war reparations, among other demands.

Washington, on the other hand, stated that nuclear issues must be included as part of any initial negotiations.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. In response, Iran initiated retaliatory strikes targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting US military bases. Concurrently, conflict broke out between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The conflict has recently expanded into Yemen, from where Iran-aligned Houthis have attacked energy infrastructure, airports, and other targets in Saudi Arabia.
Source: Arab News