Iran Offers Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within Seven Days
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered a diplomatic proposal to the United States. The plan offers to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if specific conditions are met.
Tehran Puts Seven-Day Strait Reopening on Washington’s Desk
Araghchi announced the initiative at the United Nations in New York. The proposal reached the US through Qatari intermediaries. The decision now rests with Washington.
Military Escalation and Energy Chokepoint Paralysis
The diplomatic overture follows severe military escalation. The United States and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28. Iran retaliated with strikes against Israel, US bases in the Gulf, and regional allies.
Tehran responded by blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas previously passed through this critical maritime chokepoint.
The closure triggered wild fluctuations in global energy prices. It also intensified pressure on US President Donald Trump to resolve the conflict ahead of congressional elections in November. Trump previously threatened to annihilate the Islamic Republic if a deal fails.
The June Memorandum and Unstated Demands
Speaking to reporters, Araghchi pointed to a memorandum of understanding signed in June. He said it contains the necessary conditions for restoring normal maritime passage.
“The actions that the United States should take are not new. They are all already in the MOU,” Araghchi said. He added that “if there is seriousness in the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared.”
He did not detail the specific steps required from Washington.
Weighing Positions and Current Shipping Realities
A US official confirmed to the BBC that positive discussions are underway through mediators. These talks address nuclear issues alongside other matters.
However, the official maintained that the US holds a strong position regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is not rushing into an agreement.
Shipping data from commodities analytics firm Kpler shows recent transits averaging about 18 vessels per day. Daily numbers occasionally drop as low as nine.
A Collapsed Framework and Expanding Secondary Threats
The June memorandum of understanding subsequently collapsed when both sides resumed military strikes. The 14-point framework outlined halting military operations on all fronts, a US naval blockade cessation, sanctions relief, and guarantees that Iran would not pursue a nuclear weapon.
Simultaneously, secondary disruptions have affected regional energy exports on the opposite side of the Arabian peninsula. Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen intensified operations. They seized strategic Red Sea coastal areas including the port of Mokha near the Bab al-Mandab Strait, alongside attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure.
US media reports indicate that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested military support from Washington to counter these threats.
During a speech at the UN General Assembly, Trump stated his expectation that an Iran agreement would materialize following the November elections.