Iranian foreign minister extends New York stay awaiting US response to de-escalation proposal

Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has extended his stay in New York to continue indirect diplomatic efforts, awaiting a final and official US response to Tehran’s de-escalation proposal.

Araghchi, who attended the United Nations General Assembly with his country’s delegation, said US President Donald Trump’s recent rejection of the seven-day plan was the "first public reaction."

He noted that Iran is waiting for an official clarification through intermediaries to distinguish between public statements and the actual negotiation process behind the scenes.

At the same time, international mediators are exploring the possibility of drafting a narrower agreement to ease mutual maritime restrictions and defuse the immediate crisis, according to The New York Times.

Tehran insists on a clear set of conditions to end field measures and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, including lifting the US maritime blockade, removing sanctions on oil exports, and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Despite mutual distrust, sources say the ongoing diplomatic channels in New York aim to soften positions and reduce strategic differences, with Iran recognizing that any resolution on the nuclear and maritime issues ultimately depends on Trump’s personal decision.