Iran proposes a seven-day plan to reopen the Hormuz Strait with the U.S., as Tehran's foreign minister outlines a roadmap to end the conflict. The plan, delivered via Qatar, includes steps to lift a U.S. naval blockade and release frozen Iranian funds. The strait, a critical global oil route, remains closed, causing economic disruption and fueling tensions.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, says the U.S. must meet Tehran's conditions for the strait's reopening, which would involve ending the naval blockade and waiving sanctions. The proposal follows a sharp escalation in Middle East tensions, with Iran-backed Houthi militias attacking Saudi Arabia. The U.S. and Iran have clashed for seven months, with both sides resuming strikes after a brief ceasefire.
The MOU signed in June aimed to end the conflict and partly reopen the strait, but it collapsed after renewed hostilities. The U.S. maintains a blockade of Iranian ports, disrupting the Iranian economy. The strait's closure has caused energy price fluctuations, with 20% of global oil passing through it before the war. The U.S. seeks to restore free passage for ships, while Iran insists on meeting its conditions before any concessions.
Iran's official says no nuclear concessions will be made, even if the U.S. agrees to the Hormuz plan. Tehran has refused to dilute its enriched uranium, a key U.S. demand. The U.S. and Israel have accused Iran of seeking nuclear weapons, with the IAEA estimating Iran has 440.9 kg of enriched uranium. The situation remains tense, with Houthi attacks on Saudi oil installations and calls for U.S. military support from Saudi Arabia.