Iran is reviewing Washington’s response to its proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz before sending an official reply. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced the position during a press conference on Monday. He said Tehran would communicate its response through intermediaries once officials complete their review. The development comes as negotiations between Iran and the United States remain stalled.
Baghaei confirmed that Iran continues exchanging messages with Washington through mediators. Qatar and Pakistan have participated in efforts to help end the conflict. The war began with US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28. However, both sides have struggled to overcome disagreements over the priorities for negotiations.
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Iran submitted its proposal in mid-September after an interim ceasefire collapsed and attacks resumed. Tehran later confirmed receiving Washington’s response to the proposal. However, Iran’s security chief said on Sunday that the US reply failed to adequately address Tehran’s seven conditions. Those conditions concern reopening the waterway and returning to negotiations.
A major disagreement centres on Iran’s nuclear programme. Washington wants both sides to address the nuclear issue from the beginning of negotiations. Tehran, however, wants initial discussions to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring maritime security. This difference has contributed to the ongoing deadlock between the two countries.
The strait remains strategically important because it carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the war. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could affect international energy supplies. Iran’s proposal therefore places the waterway’s reopening and security at the centre of its negotiating position. However, the two sides have yet to resolve their differences.
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Meanwhile, Baghaei addressed the escalating tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, which Iran supports. He said Tehran remained willing to help resolve the crisis through dialogue. He also referred to a United Nations roadmap for addressing the Yemen conflict. Iran supports any agreement that Yemenis and Saudis reach, he added.
Iran has not announced a specific deadline for its response to Washington. Baghaei said officials would reply through intermediaries after completing their review. Until then, diplomatic exchanges continue despite disagreements over the agenda. Further progress will depend on whether both sides can narrow their differences over the Strait of Hormuz and other issues.