US officials have expressed caution about an Iranian proposal to end hostilities by reopening the Strait of Hormuz in return for lifting a US blockade, saying the offer could delay negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program. The proposal was reportedly relayed to Washington via Pakistan after a ceasefire that took effect on April 8 left major issues unresolved.
The White House said it is reviewing Iran’s latest approach to restore shipping through the strategic waterway, which has been effectively closed for about two months and has disrupted global energy markets and trade. Talks intended to end the conflict and restore full access to the strait have so far made little progress.
Reports say President Donald Trump expressed skepticism about Tehran’s sincerity. Senior US officials have signaled reluctance to accept a deal that would postpone talks on Iran’s nuclear and missile programs; one administration official said any settlement must stop Iran from making a rapid push toward a nuclear weapon.
Iran’s leaders say they would end hostilities and reopen the strait if Washington lifts its blockade and halts military action. Washington, however, demands that Tehran surrender highly enriched uranium and abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons. Tehran maintains it is not seeking a bomb and insists on the right to a civilian nuclear program, including enrichment.
Regional and international reactions have been mixed. Qatar warned against a prolonged “frozen conflict” that repeatedly thaws for political reasons. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and many countries have urged the swift reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, citing both humanitarian and economic harms from continued disruption.
Iran has used diplomatic outreach to build support. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Oman, Pakistan and Russia; in Saint Petersburg he met President Vladimir Putin, who expressed Russian backing and framed Iran’s stance as defending its sovereignty. Iran’s defence ministry criticized US demands as illegitimate and said Washington can no longer dictate policy to independent states.
Domestically, Tehran has eased some wartime measures. Authorities approved a temporary “Internet Pro” plan to restore limited connectivity for businesses after an almost total blackout at the start of the conflict. Officials say the scheme is meant to preserve economic activity, though broader internet restrictions remain and many Iranians have lacked reliable global access for roughly 60 days.
The economic fallout has been significant. Energy prices surged after the conflict began, lifting oil company revenues. BP reported a sharp rise in first-quarter profits amid higher crude prices and constrained Middle East supplies. The energy windfall has revived debates in Europe about taxes on firms benefiting from the crisis, with leaders divided on the idea.
The war’s ripple effects are prompting wider geopolitical concern. Australia’s foreign minister warned the conflict is disproportionately affecting the Asia‑Pacific and called for closer coordination with partners such as Japan to manage energy supply disruptions and interlinked supply chains. Human-rights and governance concerns have also surfaced: some Gulf states have reportedly revoked citizenships of people labeled “traitors,” raising fears that security measures are being used to suppress dissent.
For now Washington faces a trade-off: accept a narrow deal that could quickly reopen a critical waterway but defer contentious nuclear issues, or pursue a broader settlement that addresses Tehran’s nuclear capabilities but may take much longer. US officials insist any settlement must prevent a future sprint toward a bomb, while Iran seeks relief from economic pressure and international recognition of its civilian nuclear activities.
As shuttle diplomacy continues, markets and policymakers remain on edge. The White House review of Iran’s offer, Pakistan’s mediation role and continuing international calls to reopen the strait mean negotiations could shift quickly — but major obstacles remain before a durable peace and a comprehensive nuclear agreement are reached.