Image Source: WSJ
After Iran presented a seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the United States is weighing its response amid continuing military tensions, disrupted flights and fears about global energy supplies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that normal maritime passage could resume within seven days if Washington accepts the conditions outlined in Tehran’s plan.
Araghchi told reporters that the proposal had been delivered to the United States through Qatar. The offer followed indirect discussions between Iranian and American representatives held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
After Iran’s Bold Proposal, Hormuz Talks Enter a Critical Phase
“If the necessary conditions are met, the strait can be reopened, and normal maritime passage restored within seven days,” Araghchi said. He added that the timeline would begin as soon as the United States accepts the plan.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, some of the actions requested from Washington were already included in a June Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries. That agreement established plans for a temporary ceasefire, but it collapsed within days after new strikes were exchanged.
Araghchi said Iran believes the United States could complete the required steps within four or five days. However, the wider seven-day period would allow time for the maritime route to become operational and for shipping traffic to return to normal.
What Iran’s Seven-Day Plan Requires
One central condition involves a maritime transit route agreed upon by Iran and Oman. Tehran wants the United States to accept that route as part of a broader arrangement for restoring commercial passage through the waterway.
- Washington must accept the proposed maritime transit route.
- The actions would rely on commitments included in the June memorandum.
- Shipping could reportedly resume within seven days after U.S. acceptance.
- Qatar is serving as an intermediary between the two sides.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Before the conflict, roughly 20% of global oil supplies moved through the narrow waterway. Any prolonged closure can affect crude prices, fuel costs, shipping insurance and inflation in countries far beyond the Middle East.
Washington Signals Strength but Shows No Urgency
A U.S. official described discussions through mediators as positive and constructive but said the Trump administration was not rushing toward an agreement.
“The United States is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz, so we are not in a rush,” the official said. The official also claimed that nearly 40 million barrels of oil had transited the strait over the previous 48 hours.
President Donald Trump added to the political drama early Saturday by posting an image of the waterway on Truth Social labeled the “Trump Strait.” Earlier in the week, Trump said he was still considering whether to pursue a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the country.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told Al Jazeera that resolving the Hormuz crisis was possible through negotiations rather than force. At the same time, he warned that Tehran does not trust talks with Washington, underscoring the fragile nature of any potential agreement.
Oil, Humanitarian Flights and Regional Pressure
The standoff is affecting more than commercial shipping. The United States recently announced sanctions against global companies doing business with Iranian airlines. The stated goal is to ground Iran’s civil aviation fleet worldwide.
Iraq said Saturday that it was working with Washington to restore humanitarian flights to and from Iran. Baghdad is seeking exemptions for certain Iraqi airports so civilians can continue traveling for medical treatment, education, religious pilgrimages and other essential reasons.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported that flights to Oman, Georgia and Azerbaijan had also been suspended. The disruptions could complicate medical travel, family reunification and regional commerce if they continue.
What Happens Next After the Hormuz Offer?
The next step depends largely on whether Washington accepts Tehran’s proposed conditions. U.S. officials may seek additional guarantees over Iran’s nuclear program, military activity and future access to the waterway. Iran, meanwhile, is seeking an arrangement that can restore shipping without appearing to surrender under pressure.
The political timetable is also significant. Pezeshkian has said Iran does not want the conflict to continue until the U.S. midterm elections in November. Trump has suggested that Tehran may delay a settlement until after the vote.
For now, the proposal offers a possible diplomatic opening, but no agreement has been announced. Until the two governments reach a deal, energy markets, shipping companies and civilians across the region remain exposed to the consequences of the conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Iran’s proposal for the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran says the United States can accept a plan that would allow normal maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz to resume within seven days.
Who delivered Iran’s proposal to the United States?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the proposal was conveyed through Qatar, which is acting as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The waterway is a major global energy corridor. Before the conflict, approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passed through the strait.
Has the United States accepted the plan?
No. A U.S. official said discussions were positive and constructive but emphasized that the Trump administration was not in a hurry to reach an agreement.
