In a fresh diplomatic push, Iran has proposed halting its military operations in the Strait of Hormuz, linking the move to a broader cessation of hostilities and the lifting of the US naval blockade, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The proposal, conveyed through regional intermediaries by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, is being seen as an attempt to break the current impasse and revive stalled talks between Tehran and Washington.
Proposal tied to war halt, nuclear talks pause
Sources familiar with the development told The Wall Street Journal that the framework could temporarily sideline discussions around Iran’s nuclear programme. The report added that Tehran is seeking firm assurances from the US and Israel to end the conflict and avoid future escalation as part of the initial phase.
The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions after the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports earlier this month, in response to what it described as Iran’s “de facto closure” of the strategic shipping route.
Washington weighs offer, scepticism persists
In Washington, the proposal is under active consideration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump has reviewed the plan with his national security team.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Tehran appears “serious about making a deal”, but stressed that the US would not permit Iran to exercise full control over the vital waterway.
Meanwhile, Araghchi also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this week, with Moscow expressing support for diplomatic efforts to resolve the standoff.
Despite the renewed engagement, doubts remain over the viability of the proposal. Analysts have flagged concerns over Iran’s insistence on retaining sovereignty over the strait even as negotiations on its nuclear programme and regional activities are deferred.
Raz Zimmt of Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies said unresolved issues at the end of the conflict are unlikely to be settled later, underlining the challenges ahead.
International mediators, the report noted, are urging both sides to keep communication channels open as efforts continue to find common ground.