Iran proposes reopening of Strait of Hormuz to US without linking it to nuclear deal

Iran has proposed to the United States a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tying the move to a broader nuclear deal, according to two regional officials cited by the Associated Press on April 27.

The proposal reportedly calls on Washington to lift what Tehran describes as its blockade, the officials said, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of ongoing backchannel talks.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of undermining earlier diplomatic efforts ahead of his meeting in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to state media. He said previous negotiations were disrupted by what he termed Washington’s “incorrect approaches” and “excessive demands,” despite some progress.

Araghchi also pointed to his recent visit to Pakistan, noting that Islamabad had helped facilitate indirect contacts between Tehran and Washington. He said recent discussions focused on reviewing past developments and exploring conditions for future dialogue.

Separately, Iran’s Parliament Speaker, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised the US over tensions surrounding key energy routes. In a post on X, he contrasted American economic measures with what he described as Iran’s strategic leverage over vital chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and major pipeline corridors.

However, Iranian official Ebrahim Rezaei questioned Pakistan’s role as a mediator, arguing that it is too closely aligned with US interests to be considered neutral, despite calling it a friendly neighbour.

In a separate development, Hezbollah claimed it targeted Israeli military personnel and vehicles near Tel al-Nahas on the outskirts of Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, reportedly using a guided missile. There was no immediate confirmation from Israeli authorities.

In Israel, a scheduled hearing in the corruption trial of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was cancelled shortly before it was to begin, reportedly due to security concerns raised by his lawyer Amit Hadad. Netanyahu faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust, which he denies.

The Israel Defence Forces also reported sirens in northern Israel after a suspected drone from Lebanon entered its airspace. Contact with the aircraft was later lost, and no injuries were reported. A subsequent alert was declared a false alarm.

Iranian officials, meanwhile, said the country’s leadership remains united in responding to external threats, dismissing any suggestion of internal divisions.