Iran weighs new US proposals as Hormuz standoff deepens amid fragile talks

WASHINGTON, DC: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has confirmed that Tehran is examining new proposals from the United States following recent indirect talks mediated by Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir. 

The outreach comes at a critical juncture, with diplomatic efforts intensifying ahead of the expiry of a fragile two-week ceasefire.

Tehran reasserts hardline demands on Hormuz

Even as it considers the US proposals, Iran has reiterated its firm stance on maintaining extended control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit chokepoint.

“Iran is determined to exercise supervision and control over transit through the Strait of Hormuz until the definitive end of the war and realization of lasting peace in the region,” the council said in a statement carried by Mehr News.

The proposed mechanism includes imposing transit fees, issuing certificates, and restricting vessels to designated routes, measures Iran says are aimed at limiting supply lines to US military bases in the region.

General Asim Munir concluded a three-day visit to Tehran, where he held high-level discussions with Iranian officials.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a key intermediary, seeking to bring Iran back to the negotiating table with Washington before the ceasefire lapses.

Ceasefire strained by US blockade

The diplomatic push follows unsuccessful high-level talks between the US and Iran last weekend.

In the aftermath, Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, a move Tehran has condemned as a violation of the ceasefire.

Iran has warned it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz to full transit until the blockade is lifted, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies.

With both sides holding firm on critical demands, the coming days are expected to be decisive. 

Trump signals progress in Iran talks along with warning

Donald Trump, speaking to reporters on Saturday, April 18, said that talks are progressing. 

He said negotiations with Iran are ongoing but suggested frustration with Tehran’s approach, saying “they got a little cute,” even as he described talks as progressing.

“We have very good conversations going on,” Trump said on Iran. “They got a little cute, as they have been doing for 47 years,” Trump added.

“They wanted to close up the strait again, as they’ve been doing for years. They can’t blackmail us,” Trump said. He said that he would have some more information “by the end of the day.”