Tehran’s proposal, delivered through Pakistan, seeks end to war and lifting of US blockade – but Washington insists nuclear file cannot wait.
DOHA/WASHINGTON – April 28, 2026 –
As a fragile ceasefire holds between the US‑Israel alliance and Iran, Tehran has put forward a new diplomatic proposal aimed at de‑escalating the Gulf crisis. The plan, confirmed by Iranian state media and US officials, offers to immediately reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz – a vital chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments – on condition that the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports and agrees to end the ongoing war.
However, a central feature of the Iranian offer has already drawn sharp skepticism in Washington: discussions over Iran’s nuclear programme would be postponed until after the war ends.
Proposal Details & Mediation
According to Iranian state news agency Fars, the proposal was conveyed to Washington through Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator. Tehran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, stated that “lasting stability and security” in the Gulf and the wider region can only be achieved through a durable and permanent cessation of aggression against Iran.
In peacetime, approximately one‑fifth of the world’s oil and LNG supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which links Gulf oil producers to the open ocean. Iran effectively closed the strait to shipping during the conflict, driving up global energy prices and disrupting supply chains. The US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and ships shortly after a ceasefire began on April 8, restricting Tehran’s ability to export oil.
Shift in Iranian Strategy
Iranian analyst Abas Aslani, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Middle East Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera that the proposal marks an “altered” approach. Tehran believes its previous model – making compromises on its nuclear programme in exchange for economic sanctions relief – is no longer a “viable path towards a potential accord.”
Negar Mortazavi, a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and host of The Iran Podcast, called the proposal “reasonable,” noting that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has created “a global crisis and countries around the world want it resolved.”
“Both Tehran and Washington need to immediately focus on reforming the strait,” Mortazavi said. “This can be a good first step towards a more permanent ceasefire, and then after reducing tension, the two sides can talk about other issues.”
On the nuclear file, Mortazavi cautioned that it is a “complex issue” requiring patient, expert‑level negotiations – something impossible under active conflict.
US Response: Dismissive So Far
US President Donald Trump met with top security advisers on Monday to discuss the Iranian proposal, the White House confirmed. However, citing unnamed US officials, Reuters reported that the president was unhappy with the offer because it did not include provisions for Iran’s nuclear programme. “He doesn’t love the proposal,” one official said.
CNN, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that Trump was unlikely to accept the proposal, as lifting the blockade without resolving questions over Tehran’s nuclear programme “could remove a key piece of American leverage in the talks.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News on Monday that although the proposal was “better than what we thought they were going to submit,” he questioned Tehran’s intentions. “We have to ensure that any deal that is made … is one that definitively prevents them from sprinting towards a nuclear weapon at any point.”
Al Jazeera’s Mike Hanna, reporting from Washington, noted an unusual lack of information following the White House meeting. “There’s been a complete lid over what was discussed. Normally, there is some form of readout – but not this time.”
International Reactions
Allies are also growing impatient. German Chancellor Merz stated that “the Iranians are negotiating very skilfully,” a remark that analyst Mohamed Elmasry of the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies interpreted as a sign that European patience is wearing thin. “Trump isn’t going to be happy hearing that,” Elmasry told Al Jazeera, adding that the chancellor is “hitting Trump where it hurts.”
Elmasry warned that prolonged stalemate benefits no one. “The longer this goes on, the more difficult it’s going to be. I really don’t think time is on anyone’s side.”
What Comes Next?
As of Tuesday morning, there is no indication that the Trump administration plans to accept the Iranian proposal in its current form. Both sides appear to be holding their positions: Iran insists on separating the strait issue from the nuclear file; the US insists that nuclear constraints must be part of any initial agreement.
With global energy prices already elevated and supply chains disrupted, pressure is mounting on both capitals to find a workable compromise before the fragile ceasefire collapses.
CLOSING (Anchor)
So – Iran offers to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, but puts its nuclear programme off‑limits for now. Washington appears unwilling to accept those terms. With global energy prices already soaring, the pressure on both sides is only growing. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
