Washington: Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran could resume this week as mediators work to prevent the latest confrontation from turning into a wider regional crisis. US President Donald Trump has indicated that American representatives may hold further discussions with Iranian officials despite Washington’s rejection of Tehran’s latest proposal.

The possibility of another round of talks comes after several days of indirect negotiations involving Qatar and other regional intermediaries. The discussions have focused heavily on the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, Iran’s nuclear programme and the broader military confrontation.

Trump told Axios that he expects additional talks with Iran during the week. At the same time, the US administration has made clear that it is seeking wider commitments from Tehran before agreeing to a comprehensive arrangement.

Iran’s Proposal Focused on the Strait of Hormuz

Iran recently presented a proposal through Qatari mediators that linked the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz with a broader diplomatic process.

According to reports, Tehran’s proposal included reopening the strategic waterway and restarting nuclear negotiations within a short period. Iran also sought changes involving the US naval blockade, restrictions on its oil trade and the regional ceasefire.

Trump rejected the proposal, saying it did not meet the conditions Washington was seeking. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, has continued to emphasize that Tehran remains open to a negotiated solution.

Qatar Continues Its Mediation Efforts

Qatar has emerged as an important channel between Washington and Tehran. Qatari officials have been communicating with representatives of both sides in an attempt to narrow differences and find language acceptable to the two governments.

Reports indicate that mediators have been working on possible changes to the original Iranian proposal. Further contacts between negotiators could take place as early as the beginning of this week.

The diplomatic activity shows that, despite the rejection of Tehran’s initial proposal, communication between the two sides has not completely stopped.

Hormuz Remains at the Centre of the Dispute

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway can affect oil supplies, transportation costs and energy markets far beyond the Middle East.

The latest negotiations have therefore attracted attention from energy markets as well as governments across the region.

Reuters reported that oil prices rose on Monday after the latest diplomatic efforts appeared to reach an impasse. Brent crude was reported above $105 per barrel during early trading, reflecting continued concern about geopolitical risks and energy flows.

Washington and Tehran Still Have Major Differences

The potential resumption of talks does not mean that the two governments have reached an agreement.

The United States is seeking commitments connected to Iran’s nuclear programme, while Tehran has placed significant emphasis on sanctions relief, the naval blockade and arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

These differing priorities remain one of the main obstacles to a broader settlement.

Earlier discussions in New York explored the possibility of a phased arrangement in which steps concerning Hormuz and economic restrictions could be addressed progressively rather than through a single comprehensive agreement.

Iran Says Diplomacy Remains Possible

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that Tehran is prepared to pursue diplomacy. He has also indicated that Iran is waiting for formal communication through mediators regarding Washington’s position.

This leaves room for further diplomatic engagement even though the latest proposal was rejected by Trump.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to communicate indirectly while keeping significant disagreements unresolved.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus is whether US and Iranian representatives actually return to negotiations during the week and whether Qatari mediation can produce a revised framework.

For international markets, the key issue will be the future movement of oil through the Strait of Hormuz. For regional governments, the priority remains preventing the confrontation from expanding further.

For now, the diplomatic channel remains open, but no final agreement has been announced. Further negotiations could determine whether the current standoff moves toward a temporary arrangement or continues into another phase of confrontation.