Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the United States agrees to ease military pressure and lift its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official announced on Tuesday. The proposal, delivered to Washington through intermediaries on September 16, urges the U.S. to engage in diplomatic talks to resolve ongoing tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global energy shipments, has been a focal point of heightened tensions between the two nations. Iran has linked the reopening of this vital passageway to the reduction of U.S. military activities in the region, warning of potential retaliation should military operations resume.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, currently in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, leads a delegation authorized to seek renewed diplomatic engagement with the United States. Although no direct meeting is scheduled between President Pezeshkian and U.S. President Donald Trump, the presence of both leaders at the UN assembly provides a platform for potential indirect discussions.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed openness to discussions with Iranian representatives at the UN, emphasizing that any engagement must contribute to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. However, no formal meeting has been confirmed.
This diplomatic overture comes as both nations face increasing pressure to find a peaceful resolution to their disputes, particularly concerning Iran’s nuclear program and the security of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal signals a potential shift towards dialogue, with further talks possibly occurring during the ongoing UN General Assembly.