Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz if US Ends Blockade

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within a seven-day period, contingent on the United States ending its blockade and military pressure campaign, according to a report. The offer was conveyed to U.S. officials last week as both nations explore the possibility of reviving peace talks amidst converging leaders in New York City for the United Nations General Assembly.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented on the potential for engagement, stating, “Common sense tells you there’s no harm in engaging and talking to someone.” He added, “Maybe nothing good will come of it, but nothing bad would come of it.”

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, considered a more moderate figure within the Iranian leadership, is in Manhattan for the UNGA. However, there are currently no indications of a meeting between Pezeshkian and President Trump on the sidelines of the assembly.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the UN General Assembly presents a "golden opportunity for the US to return to diplomacy." The official stressed the need for the U.S. to officially announce its desire for a diplomatic resolution and agree on a timeline for the process.

Past negotiations, including a preliminary peace deal framework known as a Memorandum of Understanding, collapsed in July. Following this breakdown, Iran reportedly resumed its activities impacting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade.

Officials from the Trump administration have previously noted that inconsistencies between Iran’s civilian and military leadership complicated earlier negotiations. Despite these challenges, U.S. officials maintain that oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz, utilizing routes near Oman’s shores. U.S. Central Command reported facilitating the passage of 1 billion barrels in recent months. However, routes closer to Iran's coast have been deemed risky due to concerns over mines and potential drone attacks.

Secretary Rubio affirmed that the U.S. has cleared mines from the waterway and emphasized that the blockade prevents Iranian oil from passing. He also highlighted that Iran's proxies have engaged in other destabilizing actions, such as a drone strike that temporarily halted Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, contributing to a rise in oil prices.

Trump had reportedly considered retaliatory action against Houthi forces but opted to delay any such moves during the UNGA. The Islamic Republic’s central military command has warned of a comprehensive retaliation if the U.S. resumes military operations against it.