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On April 27, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio formally rejected Iran’s new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a decision that casts further uncertainty over the ongoing Iran nuclear negotiations.
According to The Times of Israel, Iran put forward a new diplomatic proposal committing to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, conditional on the United States lifting its maritime blockade and halting military operations. Iran also proposed deferring nuclear negotiations to a later stage, prioritizing the resolution of strait passage first.
The Associated Press (AP) reported that Iran’s proposal was transmitted to the U.S. side through diplomatic channels by the foreign ministry. The core of the proposal was this: if the U.S. lifted the blockade and stopped hostile actions, Iran would ensure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes daily.
The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump himself expressed “skepticism” about Iran’s strait proposal. Sources said there were divisions within the White House regarding Iran’s true intentions, with some officials concerned this could be a delaying tactic aimed at relieving U.S. military pressure rather than genuinely seeking reconciliation.
In a statement, Rubio said America’s position was clear: any negotiation must include a comprehensive solution covering the nuclear issue, rather than separating strait passage from nuclear matters. He also emphasized that the U.S. would not lift its blockade of Iran without obtaining substantive commitments in return.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil shipping chokepoints, with approximately 21 million barrels of crude oil passing through it daily. Since the escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions, the security of passage through the strait has become a focal point of international concern. Iran had previously hinted at its ability to close the strait, posing a major threat to global energy markets.
Analysts note that Iran’s proposal reflects a shift in its diplomatic strategy — attempting to use strait passage as leverage in exchange for U.S. concessions on sanctions and military actions. However, the U.S. position of refusing to decouple the issues means that a breakthrough is unlikely in the short term.
This negotiation deadlock also comes amid continued turbulence in the Middle East. Geopolitical maneuvering in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq further complicates the prospects for U.S.-Iran relations. Diplomatic observers warn that if both sides cannot find a breakthrough in negotiations soon, tensions in the region could escalate further.
Sources: The Times of Israel, AP News, The Wall Street Journal