Iran proposes reopening Strait of Hormuz in exchange for end to U.S. blockade

Iran has reportedly submitted a new proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators, offering to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and agree to a permanent ceasefire. In exchange, the proposal requires the U.S. to lift its naval blockade, which has been in place since April 13.

The offer, first reported by Axios and the Associated Press, notably seeks to decouple the maritime crisis from Iran’s nuclear program by postponing atomic negotiations to a later date. This sequencing is likely to face significant opposition from the White House, as President Trump recently told Fox News that the U.S. “holds all the cards” and will continue to demand a deal that includes the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program.

While diplomats evaluate the proposal, U.S. Central Command continues to enforce the blockade across the Iranian coastline. Since the operation began, U.S. forces have redirected or seized 25 commercial vessels, including the recent high-profile capture of the M/V Touska by the USS Spruance.

President Trump is expected to hold a Situation Room meeting today to discuss whether to engage with the Iranian offer or maintain the current “maximum pressure” strategy.

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