War to end? Iran proposes deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz, end conflict
Washington: Iran has reportedly sent a “new proposal” to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Axios.
The reported diplomatic move comes amid stalled peace efforts and continuing tensions in the region. The proposal is said to offer a framework to “reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the war,” raising hopes of a possible breakthrough.
US President Donald Trump recently said Tehran could “call” Washington if it wanted to negotiate, while reiterating that Iran must not obtain nuclear weapons.
Efforts toward direct talks appeared to lose momentum after the White House cancelled a planned visit to Islamabad by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. The move was reportedly seen as a sign of “dissatisfaction with Tehran's earlier offer.”
According to the report, the United States wants Iran to halt uranium enrichment for at least 10 years and move its current nuclear stockpile abroad.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly told mediators over the weekend that there is “no consensus within the Iranian leadership” on how to respond to those demands.
The proposal sent through Pakistan reportedly outlines a “two-stage plan” focused first on resolving the maritime crisis and lifting the US naval blockade.
Under the framework, both sides would pursue either a “prolonged period” of ceasefire extension or a “permanent end to the war.”
It also proposes that nuclear negotiations would “begin only at a later stage,” after maritime routes are reopened and the blockade is lifted.
Axios reported that the White House has “received the proposal,” though it remains “unclear whether the United States is willing to explore it.”
Araghchi has recently held talks in Pakistan and Oman and is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday as part of regional diplomatic outreach.
On Sunday, Trump voiced reluctance to send negotiators, saying, “I see no point of sending them (US negotiators) on an 18-hour flight in the current situation. It's too long.”
He added, “We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there.”
Although full-scale fighting eased after US-Israeli military strikes on February 28, no formal peace agreement has been reached.
Iran continues to use its strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 per cent of global oil supplies pass, as leverage. Meanwhile, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports has reportedly caused “price spikes and market volatility.”
Tehran has said Washington must first remove “obstacles,” especially the blockade, before meaningful talks can begin. Iran is also seeking “compensation,” a revised “legal framework governing the strait,” and guarantees against future military action.
The US, however, remains focused on curbing Iran’s “nuclear ambitions,” missile programme and regional influence, underscoring the “wide gaps” that remain between the two sides.