Iran has proposed easing tensions in the Persian Gulf by offering to lift the chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade and ending the ongoing conflict, according to an AP report.
Citing two regional officials familiar with the matter, the news outlet said the proposal was discussed during weekend talks between Iranian and Pakistani officials.
The news outlet further said that Iran proposed to separate the broader and more contentious issue of its nuclear program from the immediate conflict.
Located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, the strait is a vital route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade passes in peacetime. Its disruption sent shockwaves through global energy markets and contributed to a rise in oil and fuel prices around the world.
Diplomatic activity is intensifying
The proposal comes at a time of increased diplomatic engagement by Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in St. Petersburg on Monday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.
In a video shared by IRNA, Araghchi said the visit represented a “good opportunity” to consult with Russia on recent developments in the war and ongoing regional dynamics.
Russia has long been a key ally of Iran, although it remains unclear what role Moscow might play in the current phase of the conflict or whether it would actively support Tehran’s latest proposal.
The US position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions
Despite the diplomatic measures, the proposal is unlikely to gain immediate traction in Washington. US President Donald Trump has signaled a tough stance, particularly on Iran’s nuclear ambitions – one of the main causes of the conflict that began on February 28.
Accepting Iran’s offer without addressing the nuclear issue could leave fundamental disagreements unresolved. Both the US and Israel say preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a key goal.
The proposal was reportedly passed on to US officials through Pakistan, which acts as an intermediary between the two sides. However, Trump recently canceled a planned visit by US envoys to Islamabad and instead suggested that any negotiations could be conducted remotely.
Economic and geopolitical impact
The shutdown of oil tankers in the Persian Gulf has stalled and global oil prices have soared. The resulting increase in fuel prices has created political pressure on the Trump administration, especially ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
The disruption also raised the price of essential goods, including food and fertilizer, and intensified inflationary pressures globally.
At the same time, US blockade measures aim to choke off Iran’s oil revenues, which could force Tehran to cut production due to storage restrictions.
A fragile truce, an uncertain road ahead
The proposal comes against the backdrop of a fragile truce between the US and Iran, which Trump extended indefinitely last week. While the ceasefire has largely halted active fighting, a lasting solution remains elusive in a conflict that has already claimed thousands of lives.
