Iran is offering to end its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear program, two regional officials with knowledge of the proposal said Monday. The proposal comes as Iran's foreign minister made a visit to Russia, which he described as an opportunity to consult with Moscow regarding the war against Israel and the United States.
Details of the Proposal
Iran also wants the United States to end its blockade of the country as part of the proposal, according to the two officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door negotiations. The new proposal, passed to the United States by Pakistan, likely will not be supported by US President Donald Trump, who wants to end Iran's atomic program as part of an overall deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and make the ceasefire permanent.
US Position
“We have all the cards. If they want to talk, they can come to us, or they can call us,” Trump said Sunday to Fox News Channel. The US president has consistently demanded that Iran halt its nuclear activities before any sanctions relief or negotiations on the strait.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil passes. Iran has previously threatened to block the strait in response to US sanctions, raising global energy security concerns.
