Iran has indicated a willingness to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz if the United States agrees to lift its blockade on the nation. This proposal could potentially delay discussions surrounding Tehran’s nuclear program, as reported by various media outlets.
The suggestion was made during a visit to Russia by Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, following the cancellation of anticipated ceasefire talks between US and Iranian officials in Pakistan over the past weekend. US President Donald Trump halted the delegation’s trip, proposing that future discussions could be conducted via phone instead.
Reports suggest that the Trump administration is unlikely to accept the offer relayed to Washington through Pakistan. This development leaves unresolved the contentious issues that previously prompted the US and Israel to conduct strikes against Tehran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of some of its most prominent leaders in the first wave of the conflict.
“We can’t let them get away with it,” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during an interview with US media on Monday. “We have to ensure that any deal that is made, any agreement that is made, is one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”
Despite a nominal ceasefire, tensions remain high between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade flows during peacetime. The US blockade, initiated in mid-April, has resulted in a dual blockade scenario, which Trump claims is aimed at curtailing Iran’s oil sales and consequently undermining its critical revenue streams. This situation may lead Iran to cease production altogether due to limited storage options.
The blockade has further complicated matters for Trump, particularly as oil and gasoline prices have surged ahead of the pivotal midterm elections, putting additional pressure on his Gulf allies who rely on the waterway for their oil and gas exports. As of Monday, the spot price of Brent crude, the global benchmark, soared past $108 per barrel, reflecting an increase of approximately 50% since the conflict began.
International reactions mount
International leaders, particularly from Europe, have expressed growing frustration over the situation. In a collaborative statement led by Bahrain, a coalition of nations reiterated their calls for the reopening of this essential maritime route. Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General António Guterres informed the Security Council that the humanitarian crisis is worsening.
“These pressures are cascading into empty fuel tanks, empty shelves — and empty plates,” Guterres remarked.
Across Europe, leaders have condemned the lack of strategy from Washington. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized the US for its military engagement without a comprehensive plan, noting, “The problem with conflicts like these is always the same: It’s not just about getting in. You also have to get out.”
In France, Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot voiced concerns about all parties involved while emphasizing that the current crisis escalated following the US and Israel’s strikes on Iran, which were executed without well-defined objectives, “in a manner that flouts international law.” He added a strong condemnation of Tehran’s closure of the Strait, stating, “Straits are the arteries of the world. They are not the property of any individual.”