Iran has presented a new proposal to the United States aimed at ending a two-month war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Under the plan, Tehran would end its chokehold on the key waterway and stop attacks in exchange for the U.S. lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports. This proposal, delivered via Pakistan, suggests postponing discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program until after the war ends and shipping disputes are resolved.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has been promoting a three-phase plan centered on gradual de-escalation and increased involvement from regional actors. The strategy calls for extending the current fragile ceasefire to facilitate a permanent end to the fighting. While Tehran has widened its diplomacy to include global and regional players, indirect talks with the U.S. remain uncertain.
President Donald Trump met with his national security team on Monday to discuss the offer. However, the Trump administration has shown little enthusiasm and appears unlikely to accept the deal. U.S. officials stated that the president is unhappy that the proposal does not address Iran's nuclear program, which the administration maintains as the central goal of the conflict.
Despite an ongoing ceasefire, the two nations remain locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil and gas trade passes. This instability has led to rising oil prices. While diplomacy has proven inconclusive and remains in a deadlock, analysts say both sides are unlikely to return to fighting.