Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, a media report said on Sunday.
The proposal was conveyed to the US through mediators, including Pakistan, amid a diplomatic stalemate over Iran’s nuclear programme, according to the Axios news site.
Sources said the plan seeks to bypass disagreements over uranium enrichment in favour of a faster deal focussed on lifting a blockade and restoring maritime traffic, according to the media outlet.
Under the proposal, a ceasefire would be extended for a long period or made permanent while nuclear talks would begin only after the strait is reopened and restrictions are lifted.
A US official and sources familiar with the discussions said the White House has received the proposal, but has not indicated whether it will pursue it.
US President Donald Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting on Monday with senior national security officials to discuss the deadlock and possible next steps.
Trump said he prefers maintaining the naval blockade on Iranian ports to increase pressure on Tehran.
“When you have vast amounts of oil…if this line is closed…that line explodes from within,” he said, adding Iran may have only “about three days” before facing internal pressure. Industry specialists have debunked Trump’s claims.
Diplomatic efforts intensified over the weekend, with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi holding talks in Islamabad, Pakistan and Muscat, Oman focusing on the strait.
He arrived in Saint Petersburg, Russia early Monday for high-level talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials.
“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions…The United States holds the cards,” said White House spokesperson Olivia Wales.
Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad on April 11-12, but failed to reach an agreement to end their conflict.
The negotiations came after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which was later extended by Trump.
Although efforts for another round of talks are underway, some of the sticking points are said to be the Strait of Hormuz, the US blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s right to enrich uranium. – AA