Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Iran Mobilises Public While Seeking Conditions to End War
Iran held large public drills and rallies to show strength.
People carried Iranian flags and a large poster of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Iranian authorities said 40,000 motorcyclists joined a rally in Tehran.
At the same time, Iran and the United States held long talks through Qatar.
Iran offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States meets several conditions.
These conditions reportedly include lifting oil sanctions, ending the war on several fronts and releasing frozen Iranian money.
Iran would then resume talks on issues including its nuclear programme.
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would resist pressure and respond to aggression.
Thousands joined a mobilisation drill in Iran’s Kerman Province, carrying national flags and a poster of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.
Authorities said 40,000 motorcyclists attended the “Sacrifice for Iran” rally in Tehran.
Iran and the United States held lengthy Qatar-mediated talks for the first time since June.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if Washington lifts sanctions, ends the war and releases frozen assets.
President Masoud Pezeshkian vowed resistance to US pressure while distancing Tehran from recent Houthi actions against Saudi Arabia.
- Who
- Iranian authorities, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian, the United States and Qatar-mediated negotiators.
- What
- Iran combined nationwide mobilisation events with a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations.
- When
- After the Iran-US MOU expired and during the current West Asia war; the latest talks were the first since June.
- Where
- The mobilisation occurred in Kerman Province and Tehran, while talks were mediated by Qatar and involved officials in New York.
- Why
- Iran says it wants an end to the war under conditions including sanctions relief, released frozen assets and the resumption of negotiations.
Iran’s Position
United States’ Position
Path to de-escalation
Iran’s Position
Iran reportedly offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume talks if the United States lifts oil sanctions, ends the war and releases frozen assets.
United States’ Position
The article describes the United States as applying economic pressure on Iran and does not state that Washington accepted the proposal.
Response to pressure
Iran’s Position
President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would not surrender, would resist US pressure and would respond strongly to aggression.
United States’ Position
The article says President Donald Trump threatened Iran with annihilation, but it does not provide a detailed US response to Iran’s latest proposal.
Regional responsibility
Iran’s Position
Pezeshkian sought to distance Tehran from the Houthis’ reported offensive against Saudi Arabia, while Iran’s partners urged it to restrain the group.
United States’ Position
Pakistan and China pressed Iran to rein in the Houthis, who had mounted a fresh offensive against Saudi Arabia.
- Mobilisation location
- Kerman Province in southeastern Iran
- Tehran rally
- Authorities said 40,000 motorcyclists participated
- Talks
- Iran and the United States held lengthy Qatar-mediated discussions, reportedly for the first time since June
- Iranian proposal
- Reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if conditions are met
- Reported conditions
- Lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports, end the war on all fronts including Lebanon, and release some frozen Iranian assets
- Possible Iranian concession
- Resume talks on several issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme
- Political context
- Araghchi said he wanted a deal before the US midterm elections, amid concerns about rising energy prices