Iran proposes reopening Strait of Hormuz, postponing nuclear talks to later stage

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, a media report said Sunday. The proposal was conveyed to the US through mediators, including Pakistan, amid a diplomatic stalemate over Iran's nuclear program, according to the Axios news site.

Proposal details

Sources said the plan seeks to bypass disagreements over uranium enrichment in favor of a faster deal focused on lifting a blockade and restoring maritime traffic. Under the proposal, a ceasefire would be extended for a long period or made permanent while nuclear talks would begin only after the strait is reopened and restrictions are lifted.

US response

A US official and sources familiar with the discussions said the White House has received the proposal but has not indicated whether it will pursue it. President Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting Monday with senior national security officials to discuss the deadlock and possible next steps.

Trump's position

Trump said he prefers maintaining the naval blockade on Iranian ports to increase pressure on Tehran. "When you have vast amounts of oil…if this line is closed…that line explodes from within," he said, adding Iran may have only "about three days" before facing internal pressure.

Diplomatic efforts

Diplomatic efforts intensified over the weekend, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding talks in Islamabad and Muscat focusing on the strait. He arrived in Saint Petersburg, Russia early Monday for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "These are sensitive diplomatic discussions…The United States holds the cards," said White House spokesperson Olivia Wales.

Talks background

Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 but failed to reach an agreement. The negotiations came after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, later extended by Trump. Sticking points include the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade of Iranian ports, and Iran's right to enrich uranium.