Iran has proposed to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within a week if the United States agrees to ease military pressure and lift its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official revealed on Tuesday. The offer, communicated to Washington via mediators on September 16, calls for the U.S. to engage in diplomacy to resolve the ongoing tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial channel for global oil shipments, and its closure has escalated tensions between the two nations. The Iranian government has linked its reopening to a reduction in U.S. military presence in the region. Tehran warned that any resumption of U.S. military operations could provoke retaliation.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Iranian officials are empowered to explore diplomatic solutions with the United States. Although a direct meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump is not on the agenda, discussions could potentially occur through intermediaries during the assembly.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington is open to talks with Iranian representatives at the assembly, although no formal meeting has been arranged. Rubio emphasized that any dialogue must align with efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
Both nations are under increasing pressure to find a peaceful resolution to their differences, which not only concern the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz but also relate to broader disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional security. The diplomatic overtures come as part of efforts to de-escalate hostilities and address longstanding issues between the two countries.