Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz within seven days if US eases military pressure

Iran said it would propose that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened within seven days if the United States took initial steps to ease military pressure, a senior Iranian official told Japan’s Kyodo News on Tuesday in an apparent move to revive stalled talks between the two countries.

The proposal has already been conveyed to Washington through mediators, an unnamed official told Kyodo and demanded negotiations to bring a permanent end to hostilities.

“There is a possibility of moving toward an agreement,” said the official, adding that Washington must show “seriousness and commitment” for diplomacy to progress.

The official ruled out a meeting between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key global energy route and any disruption to shipping through the waterway affects oil and fuel markets. Brent crude was down 0.9% in morning trading, reported Reuters. Oil prices fell Tuesday following news of Iran’s offer.

The reported proposal comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington and efforts by mediators to restart talks. Kyodo’s report was based on the account of an unnamed Iranian official.