Iran Expects Formal US Response on Hormuz Proposal Today, Qatari Intermediaries Working to Convey Answer

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said late Monday, September 28, 2026, that he expects a formal answer from the United States on Tuesday, September 29, regarding Tehran's proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media reports. Qatari intermediaries presented ideas and discussed them, and are set to raise the matter with the American side once more, after which the final US response will be conveyed to Iran, Araghchi said. "The Qataris hope this will be done by tomorrow," Iran's top diplomat, who is in New York for the UN General Assembly, was quoted as saying. President Trump confirmed Monday that American and Iranian negotiators are engaged in talks through mediators, though he denied an Axios report that he had offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds. The diplomatic push follows Trump's public rejection over the weekend of Iran's latest proposal, which would have reopened the Strait of Hormuz and restarted peace talks within seven days.

This update marks a critical moment in the ongoing effort to end the Hormuz closure that has disrupted global oil flows and kept Brent crude elevated above $106 per barrel as of September 28. The fact that both sides are still passing messages through Qatar despite Trump's rejection signals that diplomatic channels remain open, even as the public rhetoric remains confrontational. Whether Washington delivers the formal response Tehran is expecting today, and what that response contains, will determine whether negotiations can advance or whether the conflict remains locked in its current stalemate. The UAE, hosting Netanyahu for secret meetings over the weekend, has a direct interest in any deal that would stabilize Gulf shipping and lower the oil-price premium that has rattled markets and complicated Federal Reserve policy in the United States.

Sources

CBS News, "Live Updates: Iran says Trump must choose between war or diplomacy as talks resume," updated September 29, 2026, cbsnews.com The Times of Israel, "Over 100 settlers involved in fiery West Bank attack," September 29, 2026, timesofisrael.com Associated Press (via CBS News), "President Trump confirmed that American and Iranian negotiators exchanged messages through mediators on Monday," September 28, 2026, cbsnews.com Washington Post, "Trump rejects Iran's proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, restart peace talks," September 26, 2026, washingtonpost.com