The United States announced on Monday that it is reviewing recent Iranian proposals regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, two months after the outbreak of a war that continues to strain the global economy.
اضافة اعلان
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Washington is studying a new Iranian offer, following media reports of a proposal submitted by Tehran through Pakistani mediators.
Despite a ceasefire being in place for approximately three weeks, mediation efforts and negotiations have yet to reach a definitive end to the conflict or the reopening of the Strait. According to Axios, Tehran’s new offer suggests reopening the waterway while deferring negotiations on the nuclear file—information also carried by the Iranian news agency IRNA without further comment.
Under normal circumstances, one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production passes through the Strait of Hormuz, which is currently under a dual blockade by both Iran and the United States.
"Better Than Expected"
While Washington has not disclosed the specific details of the offer, President Donald Trump convened a meeting with his top advisors on Monday.
"Clearly, we are not going to negotiate through the media," said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, though he described the Iranian proposal as "better than we expected them to offer." He added, "We must ensure that any agreement we reach permanently prevents them from possessing a nuclear weapon at any time."
Following the U.S. cancellation of a second round of negotiations in Pakistan, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in intensive diplomatic outreach, most recently visiting Russia on Monday to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
Araghchi attributed the failure of negotiations with Washington to "excessive demands" from the American side, stressing that his country remains resilient despite thousands of airstrikes and the current blockade on its ports. President Putin affirmed that Russia, a primary supporter of Iran, would exert every effort to achieve peace as soon as possible.
"Reliable Guarantees"
Iran’s Ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated Monday that Tehran requires guarantees against further U.S.-Israeli attacks before it can stabilize the Gulf region. His remarks came during a UN Security Council meeting where dozens of nations condemned the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the Iranian Parliament is drafting legislation to place the Strait under the direct authority of the armed forces. Under this proposal, Israeli vessels would be banned from passage, and transit fees would be required in Iranian Rials.
Responding to this on Fox News, Marco Rubio said, "The Iranians cannot be allowed to establish a system where they decide who can use an international waterway and how much they must pay for it."
In Tehran, public anxiety is mounting. "The situation has changed; people are in shock," said Farshad, a 41-year-old businessman. "Many don't have the money to buy anything, not even food."
Regional Developments
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes in the south killed four people and injured 51, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. This brings the death toll in Lebanon to at least 40 since the ceasefire—marred by numerous violations—took effect on April 17.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem reiterated his rejection of planned direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel under U.S. sponsorship, calling them a "surrender." In contrast, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun responded that the goal of direct negotiation is to end the war, accusing those who dragged the country into conflict of "treason," in an implicit reference to Hezbollah.
— AFP
