Iran discusses seven-day Hormuz plan as Trump denies ordering peace outreach

Iran was discussing how to implement a seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported on October 29, while separate reporting described US President Donald Trump denying that he had instructed Vice President JD Vance to begin peace negotiations with Tehran.

Araghchi said Iran remained in close contact with mediators over ideas for putting the reopening plan into effect, according to Al Jazeera. Details of the proposed arrangements, including when the seven-day period would begin and what implementation would require, were not clear.

The report followed two October 28 updates from Middle East Eye concerning a reported communication between Vance and Mohsen Rezaei, whom the outlet identified as Iranian Security Council chief.

Citing The Wall Street Journal, Middle East Eye said Vance had sent Rezaei a letter intended to revive peace talks. The underlying reporting was attributed to US officials and people familiar with the matter.

Trump gave a different explanation when questioned by reporters at Joint Base Andrews, according to Middle East Eye. Asked whether he had directed Vance to initiate negotiations, he said: “No. Iran needs help with medical supplies. Basically, it’s getting supplies in to help people that are not well.”

The accounts differ over the communication's purpose. Trump's denial concerned whether he had ordered negotiations; it did not by itself resolve whether Vance had sent the letter described in the Wall Street Journal reporting.

Middle East Eye also cited earlier Wall Street Journal reporting that Washington had alerted several Gulf Arab countries to prepare for a brief but intense offensive against Iran following the US midterm elections in November. The countries concerned were not identified.