Iran Proposes Reopening Strait of Hormuz Within Seven Days

Iran has presented the United States with a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, provided that specific conditions outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) are met. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced the offer during a press briefing at the United Nations in New York, stating that the plan was transmitted to Washington via Qatar.

“The choice now rests with the United States,” Araghchi told reporters. He emphasized that the necessary steps were not novel but were already embedded in the MOU signed on 18 June. “I can tell you if there is seriousness in the US side to come to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, everything is now prepared,” he added.

The six-point framework originally brokered in June aimed to establish a ceasefire and partially restore maritime traffic. Key provisions included Iran’s commitment to never pursue nuclear weapons, a mutual halt to military operations, the lifting of a US naval blockade and sanctions, and Iranian assurances to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels.

However, the accord collapsed shortly after its signing as both sides resumed hostilities. Iran has since targeted vessels it alleges crossed the strait without authorization, while the US has conducted strikes against Iranian sites within the waterway and tankers offshore, maintaining a blockade that has severely impacted Tehran’s economy.

A US official responded to the latest proposal by noting that Washington holds a strong strategic position regarding control of the strait and is therefore “not in a rush.” The official confirmed to the BBC that constructive discussions are ongoing through mediators, including negotiations concerning nuclear issues.

The conflict, which began with US and Israeli air strikes on Iran on 28 February, has triggered significant disruptions to global energy markets. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas previously flowed through the strait. Closure of the route has led to volatile energy prices and intensified pressure on President Donald Trump to resolve the crisis ahead of the November Congressional elections.

Data from Kpler, a commodities analytics firm cited by Reuters, indicates that shipping through the strait has averaged roughly 18 transits per day over the last 10 days, with daily volumes occasionally dropping to as low as nine vessels. Meanwhile, Trump has asserted that the US has successfully secured oil exports through the region.

Tensions remain high as Yemen’s Houthi rebels, allies of Iran, have escalated attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The group recently seized strategic coastal areas, including the port of Mokha, threatening the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Reports indicate that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has requested military assistance from Trump in response to attacks on Saudi oil installations.

Amidst these developments, Trump oscillated between diplomatic language and military threats. During his address to the UN General Assembly, he suggested that a potential Iran deal might materialize after the midterm elections. Yet earlier this week, he threatened to “annihilate the Islamic Republic.” Araghchi firmly rejected such rhetoric on Friday, stating that Iran does not accept “coercion, threats or intimidation” and that “peace cannot be built through threats of annihilation.”