By Carl Robert
Iran has delivered a proposal to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the ongoing war, deferring nuclear negotiations on Sunday.
The proposal was transmitted through Pakistani mediators, according to the Axios report, as both sides seek a pathway to de-escalation after weeks of stalled diplomacy and continued military confrontation across the Gulf region.
Under the terms outlined, Iran would prioritize restoring maritime traffic through the strategic waterway while postponing contentious negotiations over its nuclear program to a later phase, a sequencing approach aimed at breaking diplomatic deadlock.
A U.S. official confirmed receipt of the proposal, according to Axios, while the White House has not publicly detailed its response, maintaining its position that any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, has seen sharply reduced tanker traffic amid the conflict, contributing to volatility in oil markets and disrupting supply chains dependent on Gulf exports.
Brent crude prices rose more than 2% to above $107 per barrel on Monday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed near $96, reflecting market anxiety tied directly to disruptions in the waterway.
The proposal follows weeks of escalating tensions, including reports that Iran deployed naval mines in the strait and the United States enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports to restrict maritime movement.
Diplomatic engagement has remained fragmented, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi holding regional talks in Oman and Pakistan, while U.S. officials canceled planned negotiations in Islamabad amid disagreements over terms.
The conflict, now nearing two months, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement across the region, with fighting extending beyond Iran into neighboring theaters including Lebanon, according to regional health authorities.
Analysts say Iran’s proposal reflects an effort to leverage its control over the Strait of Hormuz, long considered a strategic asset, to secure concessions while delaying resolution of nuclear issues that have historically stalled negotiations.
