Iran has offered to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours if the United States meets its conditions, raising hopes of a possible diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict between both countries.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed the proposal in an interview with Al Jazeera, saying Tehran had reached a two-day framework with Qatari mediators for restoring normal navigation through the waterway.
Under the proposed arrangement, the United States would implement a set of measures on the first day, while the strait would be reopened and shipping activities restored on the second day.
Araghchi explained that the proposal was a revised version of Iran’s earlier seven-day plan, which was shortened following consultations with Qatari officials.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also confirmed the proposal on Monday, describing the shorter implementation period as evidence of Tehran’s willingness to resolve the crisis.
He, however, stressed that reopening the waterway would depend on Washington accepting Iran’s demands.
The conditions include an end to hostilities across the Middle East, the unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad, the lifting of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil sector and the termination of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Tehran has also called for the United States to accept a new transit arrangement agreed upon by Iran and Oman for vessels passing through the strait.
The diplomatic development follows discussions involving Qatari mediators, through whom messages have continued to pass between Washington and Tehran.
An Iranian delegation reportedly left Doha on Sunday after the latest round of discussions. However, a regional official familiar with the negotiations said a draft proposal to end the war was being circulated, with another meeting under consideration.
The United States has yet to publicly accept Iran’s two-day proposal, leaving the reopening of the waterway dependent on further diplomatic negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Before the conflict, the passage carried approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Its disruption has heightened concerns over international energy supplies, shipping costs and the broader economic consequences of the conflict.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high, with US President Donald Trump reportedly considering further military action against Iran.
Iran has warned that any renewed attack would attract an immediate and comprehensive response.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei said Tehran remained prepared to defend itself against any military aggression, even as diplomatic contacts continued.
The proposed reopening therefore represents a possible route towards restoring maritime traffic, but no final agreement has been announced.