With diplomatic negotiations between Iran and the United States at a standstill, Tehran has reportedly floated a fresh proposal aimed at lowering tensions before tackling the long-disputed nuclear issue.
According to a report by Axios, citing a US official, Iran has sent a new plan to Washington through mediators from Pakistan, suggesting that both sides first focus on ending hostilities and restoring stability, leaving nuclear negotiations for a later stage.
The proposal reflects Tehran’s apparent effort to restart diplomacy by prioritising de-escalation over immediate concessions on uranium enrichment.
Iran Wants Strait of Hormuz Reopened First
One of the central elements of the reported proposal is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route that carries a major share of the world’s oil exports.
Iran is said to have demanded that restrictions in the strategic waterway be lifted and commercial shipping operations return to normal before discussions begin on more contentious nuclear matters.
Internal Divisions Slowing Iran’s Response
The report also suggests that divisions within Iran’s leadership are complicating the process.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly told mediators that there is no unified internal consensus on how to respond to longstanding US demands, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
This lack of agreement within the Iranian establishment has reportedly slowed the pace of indirect negotiations and made it harder for mediators to secure firm commitments from Tehran.
US Reviewing Proposal, No Decision Yet
The White House has reportedly received the Iranian proposal but has not yet signalled whether it is prepared to accept the terms.
For years, the US has maintained that Iran must halt uranium enrichment and remove its nuclear stockpiles from the country as part of any broader agreement.
While US President Donald Trump has maintained a hardline public stance on Iran’s nuclear programme, the administration is still said to be open to negotiations if conditions allow.
Trump is expected to convene a high-level meeting with senior national security officials to review the proposal and assess possible next steps.
Ceasefire Before Nuclear Negotiations
Under the framework reportedly proposed by Iran, both sides would work first toward a long-term ceasefire or potentially a permanent end to hostilities, creating conditions for future nuclear talks.
Only after tensions are reduced and the Strait of Hormuz is reopened would formal discussions begin on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran is also believed to be coordinating this diplomatic effort with regional players including Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, signalling a broader push to build support for a phased peace initiative.
The proposal suggests that Tehran may be looking for a gradual diplomatic path that addresses security concerns before engaging on the more politically sensitive nuclear issue.
What has Iran proposed to the United States?
Iran has reportedly proposed that both countries first work on reducing tensions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz before starting formal nuclear negotiations.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital global oil shipping route through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
Has the United States accepted Iran’s proposal?
No, the White House has received the proposal but has not yet indicated whether it will accept or reject it.
Why are Iran-US talks progressing slowly?
Talks are reportedly slow because there is no clear internal agreement within Iran on how to respond to US nuclear demands.
