TEHRAN – Iran has reiterated its appeal on the United States to accept a proposal to reopen the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, saying the offer is still on the table despite delayed negotiations between the two countries.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Sunday, October 18, that Tehran was still ready to follow the plan, which if Washington agreed to Iran’s requirements, could resume shipping through the strait within six days. On the seventh day, talks on a broader deal would restart, Reuters said.
Iran put forward the deal in mid-September following the collapse of a brief ceasefire. Under the plan, the U.S. would relieve its naval blockade of Iranian ports, relax restrictions on Iranian oil exports and end hostilities across regional fronts.
Araqchi said Tehran was considering comments submitted by Washington on the proposal. But negotiations have stagnated, with Iranian officials saying the US answer did not fulfil all seven demands sufficiently.
Iran’s nuclear program remains a major sticking point. Washington wants the problem to be on the table from the start of negotiations and that would include a major cut in Iran’s uranium-enrichment capabilities. Tehran, meanwhile, wants to restore maritime security and reopen the strait as the immediate priority.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest energy shipping lanes. Disruptions there are a big issue for energy markets and international shipping, as about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas traffic moved through the small canal before the conflict.
The row has raised concerns about the implications of long-running limitations on energy supplies, trade and prices. A reopening would reduce pressure on shipping, but any deal would depend on the two countries agreeing on sanctions, security arrangements and Iran’s nuclear activity.
There is no confirmed consensus to adopt the plan now. Further steps will hinge on whether Washington and Tehran can narrow their differences and find common ground on terms for resuming passage across the key canal.
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