Iran has reportedly delivered a fresh diplomatic proposal to the United States through Pakistan aimed at ending the war and reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, US news website Axios reported on Monday.
The latest proposal calls for talks on Iran's nuclear programme to be postponed to a later stage.
The proposal, communicated via Pakistani intermediaries to the US, outlined in reporting by Axios and cited by US and regional sources, seeks to break a negotiation deadlock that has stalled peace efforts and unsettled global energy markets.
It marks a shift in Tehran’s approach by prioritizing a ceasefire and renewed access to the vital shipping lane before addressing nuclear issues — a contrast to long-standing Western demands that nuclear negotiations come first.
Key elements of the plan include:
· Mediation by Pakistan: Islamabad has acted as the primary intermediary conveying communications between Tehran and Washington.
· Focus on de-escalation and maritime access: The proposal centres on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, and securing an end to hostilities as urgent first steps.
· Deferred nuclear talks: Nuclear negotiations would be held only after preliminary agreements on a ceasefire and maritime arrangements are reached — a sequencing that could reshape the diplomatic agenda.
The report comes amid prolonged diplomatic pressure, failed rounds of peace talks in Islamabad and repeated warnings that continued disruption of the strait could have severe economic consequences.
In Washington, President Donald Trump has claimed the conflict between Iran and the US may be hitting a turning point as the pressure piles up.
Since April 13, the US has also imposed a naval blockade, preventing ships from entering or exiting Iran.
Trump signals possible US-Iran deal
US President Donald Trump has suggested that tensions between the United States and Iran may be approaching a turning point, saying sustained military and economic pressure has weakened Tehran and could pave the way for a resolution.
He also pointed to internal divisions within Iran’s leadership as a factor that could accelerate any potential outcome.
‘Good consultations’ in Pakistan
Upon his arrival in St Petersburg, the Iranian Foreign Minister provided insights into his recent diplomatic missions to Pakistan and Oman. According to the Iranian state media broadcaster, IRNA news agency, Abbas Araghchi described his journey to Islamabad as "very productive" and noted it involved "good consultations".
During these meetings, officials reportedly "reviewed past events and the specific conditions under which negotiations between Iran and the US could continue."
Shifting the focus to maritime security, the Foreign Minister detailed his subsequent visit to Muscat, where discussions centred on the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The IRNA news agency quoted Araghchi as saying, "Iran and Oman are the two coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, making mutual consultations necessary--especially as safe passage through the Strait has become a significant global issue."
The Foreign Minister further explained that the geography of the waterway necessitates a unified approach between the neighbouring nations. "It is natural that, as the two coastal nations of this Strait, we must engage in dialogue to ensure our common interests are met and to remain coordinated in any action taken, as the interests of both Iran and Oman are directly involved," he stated.
Highlighting the diplomatic alignment between the two countries, the IRNA news agency reported a "high degree of consensus" regarding these maritime concerns.
Araghchi added that both sides have agreed "that consultations should continue at the expert level" to maintain regional stability and safeguard shared interests.