A new proposal delivered through regional intermediaries calls for restoring oil transit in the Strait of Hormuz first, with nuclear talks postponed, raising questions about U.S. leverage in ongoing negotiations.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Iran has presented a new diplomatic proposal to the United States that would prioritize reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing current hostilities while deferring negotiations over its nuclear program, according to an Axios report published Sunday night.
The plan, conveyed through Pakistani mediators, focuses on restoring oil shipments through the strategic waterway and potentially extending a ceasefire or moving toward a broader resolution to the conflict. The approach would sequence negotiations in a way that addresses maritime access and economic pressures before tackling nuclear-related issues.
U.S. officials are weighing the implications of the proposal, which could affect Washington’s negotiating position. By lifting the naval blockade and allowing oil exports to resume, the United States could reduce pressure on Tehran at a time when it is seeking commitments related to uranium enrichment and long-term nuclear restrictions.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Monday with senior national security and foreign policy advisers in the White House Situation Room to review the proposal and assess next steps. According to one U.S. official, the meeting will address both the stalled diplomatic efforts and broader strategic options in the region.
Trump has signaled that maintaining economic and logistical pressure remains a central component of his approach. In remarks cited by Axios, he pointed to the strain on Iran’s oil infrastructure under current conditions. “When you have vast amounts of oil pouring through your system … if for any reason this line is closed because you can’t put it into containers or ships … what happens is that line explodes from within,” Trump said. “And when it explodes, you can never rebuild it the way it was … it would only be 50% of what it is right now. So I think they are under pressure.”
Diplomatic tensions intensified following recent talks involving Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Pakistan, which did not produce an agreement. Trump confirmed he canceled a planned trip by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner due to a lack of progress. “I see no point of sending them on an 18-hour flight in the current situation [of the negotiations],” Trump said. “It’s too long. We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us, if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there.”
According to Axios, Iranian officials worked with Pakistani and other regional intermediaries to shape the proposal amid internal debate within Tehran over how far to go in offering nuclear concessions. The suggested framework would delay those discussions until after maritime access is restored, a sequencing that may present a challenge for U.S. negotiators.
The proposal has been received by the White House, though administration officials have not indicated whether it will be formally considered. White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said the administration would not conduct negotiations publicly. “These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the U.S. will not negotiate through the press,” Wales said. “As the president has said, the United States holds the cards and will only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”
Original article
Comments