Iran Proposes Strait of Hormuz Deal, Defers Nuclear Talks to Later Stage

Iran Proposes Strait of Hormuz Deal, Defers Nuclear Talks to Later Stage

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has conducted an intensive 72-hour diplomatic sprint across three countries, proposing a plan aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz while deferring nuclear negotiations with the United States to a later stage. The diplomatic effort seeks to secure broader international buy-in for the proposal.

72-Hour Diplomatic Sprint

According to Al Jazeera, Araghchi met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg on Monday, following two visits to Pakistan’s capital Islamabad. Sandwiched between these trips was a meeting in Muscat, Oman. Sources close to these diplomatic efforts told Al Jazeera that senior intelligence officials from several countries were present at the Muscat talks.

Discussions in Muscat focused on the Strait of Hormuz, regional security guarantees, and the framework for a potential settlement, with nuclear-related issues set aside for a later stage.

Iran’s Latest Proposal

Iran submitted its latest proposal to end the war to Pakistan, which is transmitting messages between Tehran and Washington after direct talks in Islamabad on April 11 failed to deliver a breakthrough.

The White House has not confirmed the contents of the Iranian proposal, also reported by the Associated Press. Spokeswoman Olivia Wales said the US “will not negotiate through the press” and would “only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

Whether US President Donald Trump will accept the Iranian proposal to push back nuclear negotiations remains unclear. Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Trump said Iran already knew what was required. “They cannot have a nuclear weapon. Otherwise, there’s no reason to meet,” he said, adding that Tehran was welcome to reach out. “You know there is a telephone. We have nice, secure lines.”

Ticking Clock: War Powers Resolution Deadline

The latest diplomatic efforts are unfolding against a ticking clock. Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, Trump faces a May 1 deadline to obtain congressional authorization to continue military operations against Iran, now in their ninth week. A fourth bipartisan Senate bid to invoke the resolution was defeated 52-47 on April 15.

Republican lawmakers have largely backed Trump so far, but several have said that support will not extend beyond the 60-day window without formal congressional approval.

Geopolitical Landscape

Iran’s diplomatic push reflects its attempt to balance between military pressure and negotiation. By separating the nuclear issue from the strait passage question, Iran seeks to lower the threshold for negotiations and gain support from more countries. However, the US position remains firm, making the prospects of this proposal highly uncertain.

Sources: Al Jazeera | Al Jazeera Explainer