Amid indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran brokered by Qatar, the Iranian government has indicated that it could open the Strait of Hormuz within two days on the condition that its demands, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, are accepted.

During a briefing on the 2nd (local time), Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated, "The basis of the negotiations with the U.S. through the mediator remains Iran's 'seven-step proposal,' which has been compressed so that it can be implemented within two days."

The seven-step proposal mentioned by Spokesperson Baghaei is a negotiation plan that Iran put forward to the United States around the time of the United Nations General Assembly last September.

Although specific details have not been made public, it is estimated to include conditions such as the U.S. lifting its naval blockade, the immediate return of frozen funds, exemptions from sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports, and a cessation of hostilities on all fronts, upon which Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also met with reporters the previous day following a meeting of the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, stating, "Discussions with mediators regarding the so-called 'two-day proposal' are proceeding smoothly," conveying the status of negotiations through Qatar.

Spokesperson Baghaei emphasized, "This once again demonstrates Iran's goodwill," adding, "If our demands are met, security in the Strait of Hormuz will be restored, and the negotiation process can begin in a short period of time."

However, he drew a firm line by stating, "Unless Iran's demands, including the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, are met, no final agreement can progress, nor can the Strait of Hormuz be opened or made safe."

The core of the demands he mentioned is the withdrawal of all sanctions imposed by the U.S. following past violations of the "Islamabad Agreement" and the return of frozen Iranian assets.

Regarding the negotiation channels, Spokesperson Baghaei mentioned Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi's recent visit to Doha, Qatar, and stated that the exchange of messages between the two countries continues amid Qatar's efforts.

He also added that Iran's diplomatic negotiations are overseen by the Supreme National Security Council, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf serving as the chief negotiator.

He took a firm stance regarding the impact of the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 on the negotiations.

Spokesperson Baghaei argued, "A new America will not be born through the election," and "The U.S. hostile policy toward Iran has been deeply rooted for more than 70 years since the 1953 coup."

In addition, dismissing remarks by some U.S. officials that Iran would surrender, he asserted, "The word surrender does not exist in the dictionary of the Iranian people; we obey only God and will never compromise with U.S. pressure."

At the same time, he warned that if the Trump administration strikes its core nuclear facilities, Iran would launch an immediate, powerful, and comprehensive full-scale retaliation.

When asked about the response strategy if the United States were to use powerful bombs on the Natanz nuclear facility, Spokesperson Baghaei emphasized, "Any military attack against Iran, using whatever means, will face a strong, immediate, and comprehensive response," adding, "All necessary preparations for a response have been completed very effectively."

(Photo: Captured from Iranian state-run IRNA news agency Telegram, Yonhap News)