Tehran has used Pakistani channels to pitch a phased plan focused on maritime access and ceasefire, while Washington signals reluctance for in-person talks and maintains its nuclear red lines.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf arrives in Islamabad with a high-level delegation ahead of ceasefire talks with the United States on April 11, 2026. (Photo: Xinhua via IANS)
In a quiet diplomatic move, Tehran has reached out to Washington with a fresh proposal routed through Pakistan, offering a pathway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and potentially bring the ongoing conflict to an end, according to a report by Axios.
The outreach comes at a time when formal negotiations have stalled, and both sides appear locked into their positions. While the United States continues to push for limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran is seeking relief from the maritime blockade and a shift in how talks are structured.
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At the core of the latest communication is a two-stage plan that focuses on easing tensions at sea. The framework proposes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade as immediate steps. This could be followed by either an extended ceasefire or a permanent end to hostilities.
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Only after these steps are taken would nuclear discussions begin, the report said.
The proposal is also seen as an attempt to bypass internal disagreements within the Iranian leadership over the scope of nuclear concessions. However, the report noted that lifting the blockade and ending the war could reduce US leverage in future talks aimed at curbing Iran’s uranium enrichment programme.
The White House has confirmed that it has received the proposal, though it is still unclear whether Washington is ready to engage with it.
The deadlock continues to centre on Washington’s demand that Tehran halt uranium enrichment for at least ten years and move its nuclear stockpile out of the country. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reportedly told mediators that there is “no consensus within the Iranian leadership” on how to respond to these conditions.
Araghchi has been moving between Pakistan and Oman as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts and has now reached Russia, where he is expected to meet President Vladimir Putin.
Even as these efforts continue, US President Donald Trump has made it clear that Washington is not keen on sending negotiators abroad.
“I see no point of sending them on an 18-hour flight in the current situation. It’s too long. We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us if they want,” Trump said.
He also reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons and said that any talks would depend on that condition being met.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said sustained military and economic pressure had put Iran in a difficult position.
“I think the big advantage is that we’ve taken out their navy in its entirety. They have no air force left. They have no navy left. They’re in bad shape,” he said, pointing to the impact of the ongoing blockade.
He also spoke of divisions within Iran’s leadership. “Some of them are very reasonable people, and others are not. And they’re not getting along. There’s a lot of in-fighting,” he said, adding that missile-making facilities had been damaged “about 75%”.
“I hope they’re going to be smart, and if they’re not smart, we’re going to win anyway,” he added.
Separately, citing US officials, the report said Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting with his national security and foreign policy team to assess the stalemate and consider next steps.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump indicated he wants to continue the naval blockade to halt Iran’s oil exports, suggesting the pressure could force Tehran’s hand.
Although full-scale fighting eased after US-Israeli strikes on February 28, the absence of a formal peace deal has kept tensions high. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and has affected global markets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical pressure point, carrying around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply. Iran continues to use its position there as leverage, while the US blockade has contributed to price spikes and market volatility.
Tehran has said that Washington must first remove what it calls obstacles, especially the naval blockade, before meaningful talks can begin. It has also sought compensation, a revised legal framework for the strait, and assurances against future military action.
The US, on its part, remains focused on curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile programme, and regional influence. The gap between the two sides remains wide even as fresh diplomatic signals emerge.
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