Tehran has proposed ending the conflict with the U.S. and Israel in return for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, delaying nuclear talks.
Iran Proposes Link Between Strait of Hormuz and War Resolution
Iran has presented the United States with a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the ongoing conflict, while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later date, Axios reported Monday, citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Pakistani Mediation and Internal Divisions
According to the sources, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi put forward the proposal during talks in Islamabad through Pakistani mediators. The diplomatic process is reportedly stalled, and Iranian leadership is divided on potential concessions regarding its nuclear program.
“The Iranian proposal would bypass this issue, allowing for a faster agreement,” the article states.
Araghchi’s Discussions with Regional Mediators
One source revealed that Araghchi told mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar last weekend that there is no consensus within Iranian leadership on how to respond to U.S. demands. The U.S. wants Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program for at least 10 years and remove already enriched uranium from the country.
Focus on Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The new proposal focuses on resolving the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. naval blockade first, through a long-term ceasefire or a permanent end to the war.
Delayed Nuclear Negotiations
Under the proposal, nuclear negotiations would only begin at a later stage, after the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the naval blockade.
U.S. Response and Concerns
The United States has received the proposal, but it is unclear whether they are willing to consider it, Axios writes. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that these are confidential diplomatic talks and the U.S. does not negotiate through the press.
Wales added that President Trump maintains the U.S. holds the cards and will only agree to a deal that prioritizes American interests and prevents Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Potential Impact on U.S. Leverage
Axios notes that lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war would deprive Trump of leverage during future talks regarding the removal of enriched uranium stockpiles from Iran and the suspension of further enrichment – two key U.S. objectives.
A ceasefire between the U.S. and Israel and Iran has been in effect since April 8th. (PAP)
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