The news website Axios, citing a U.S. official and two informed sources, has reported that Iran, through Pakistani intermediaries, has presented a new proposal to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ending the war. According to the report, which has also been carried by Bakhtar News Agency, the proposal includes postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage. Axios states that Pakistan has conveyed these proposals to Washington, while Iran is seeking to resolve what it describes as the “Hormuz Strait crisis and blockade,” along with extending the ceasefire for a prolonged period. The report further notes that Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, has acknowledged internal divisions within Iran’s leadership regarding how to respond to U.S. nuclear demands and other related issues. Sources indicate that it remains unclear to what extent the White House is prepared to consider these proposals. Meanwhile, a U.S. official has said that President Donald Trump is set to hold a Situation Room meeting to review policy options concerning Iran. Another White House official emphasized that Washington will only reach an agreement with Iran if it can ensure that Tehran does not obtain nuclear weapons. Trump had previously stated that if Iran is willing to negotiate an end to the war, it can contact him directly.
