Iran has proposed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours if its conditions are met by the United States. This move is considered a significant advancement in negotiations to end the war between Iran and the United States, as both sides have warned about the possibility of renewed hostilities.
Details of the Reopening Plan
Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, announced that Qatari mediators have managed to reduce the seven-day reopening period for the Strait of Hormuz to two days. According to this new plan, the United States must take actions on the first day, and on the second day, maritime transport will resume.
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So far, Iranian negotiators have been in talks for three consecutive days with Qatari mediators regarding advancing an agreement to end the war between the United States and Israel with Iran. In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that negotiations are "going well" and that Iran wants an agreement, although he emphasized that Washington is not in a hurry.
Iran's Conditions for Reopening
Iran is demanding the easing of sanctions, the release of frozen funds, the restoration of oil waivers, and the recognition of a designated maritime transport route with Oman. Additionally, Tehran is seeking a reduction in U.S. military presence and an end to attacks on Lebanon.
Mohammad Hossein Razaei, head of Iran's National Security, stated that a letter from Vice President J.D. Vance indicated a more conciliatory tone from the United States, but emphasized that Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met.
However, this diplomatic opening comes alongside increasing military warnings. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has instructed commanders to be prepared for an immediate response to any attack, and Iranian officials have issued threats against additional targets.
Maritime risks remain. The Iranian Navy has reported that a tanker caught fire after hitting mines in the eastern Hormuz, but the ship's details or the status of its crew have not been reported. Additionally, U.S. Central Command has stated that the blockade of Iranian ports has redirected 144 commercial vessels to other routes.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy has also reported that two tankers exploded after hitting mines while passing through an "unauthorized route" in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has imposed restrictions on vessels intending to pass through this waterway and has attacked ships that it claims have violated these restrictions. This action is aimed at emphasizing its control over this strategic passage and increasing pressure on Washington.
U.S. Central Command has also emphasized that the blockade of Iranian ports has caused 144 commercial vessels to change course, indicating increasing disruption to maritime traffic in the region.
Disruptions in this waterway continue to pose a threat to global energy supply. Germany's gas storage industry has warned that the country's reserves have reached 61.35%, which is below their target of 80%, and this situation is partly related to energy costs arising from the war.
The coming days may test whether the proposed maritime transport agreement can advance before resolving disputes between Washington and Tehran.
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