Iran has reportedly proposed lifting restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in return for the United States ending its blockade on the country and bringing the ongoing war to a close, according to two regional officials.
The proposal, which was relayed to Washington via Pakistan, would leave the most contentious issue — Iran’s nuclear programme — to be addressed in a later phase of negotiations.
However, US President Donald Trump is said to be unlikely to accept the offer, which would also leave unresolved the core disputes that led to the outbreak of conflict between the US and Israel on Feb 28.
A fragile ceasefire remains in place, but tensions persist as both sides continue a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route through which around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies pass during peacetime.
The US blockade aims to restrict Iran’s oil exports, cutting off a vital source of revenue, while also increasing pressure on Tehran’s storage capacity. In response, Iran’s control over the Strait remains one of its strongest strategic leverage points in the conflict.
Oil markets have already reacted sharply, with prices surging and shipments being disrupted in the Persian Gulf due to security concerns. Brent crude has reportedly climbed to around US$108 per barrel, marking a significant increase since the start of the war.
The proposal is understood to have been discussed in closed-door talks involving Iranian and Pakistani officials over the weekend. The Axios news outlet first reported details of the offer.
Iran is also said to be seeking Oman’s support for a potential toll system on vessels passing through the Strait, though Muscat’s response remains unclear.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has travelled to Russia for talks with President Vladimir Putin, as Tehran seeks continued diplomatic backing from its long-time ally.
US President Trump recently extended the ceasefire agreement with Iran, though a permanent resolution to the conflict remains elusive, despite ongoing mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Oman and other regional actors.
Trump has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains a key objective of US policy, while Tehran continues to insist its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties across Iran, Lebanon, Israel and other regional territories, further intensifying international concern over the escalating crisis and its global economic impact.
