Iran Offers To Reopen Hormuz If Trump Lifts Blockade & Ends War

Tehran: Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of world’s most critical oil routes, but only if the United States lifts its economic blockade and formally ends the ongoing conflict. The proposal has reportedly been conveyed through Pakistan but US President Donald Trump seems unlikely to accept the offer. He has made it clear that any agreement must address Iran’s nuclear programme, which Washington sees as a major threat. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also reiterated this stance, saying no deal would be acceptable unless it permanently prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

Since the conflict began on February 28, oil shipments have been disrupted, prices have surged, and several countries are facing rising costs of fuel, food and essential goods. On Monday, global benchmark Brent crude crossed $108 per barrel, reflecting the continued uncertainty in West Asian region.

Iran has offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its economic blockade and ends the war. The proposal was conveyed via Pakistan during closed-door talks. Importantly, Tehran wants to postpone discussions on its nuclear programme, a condition that directly clashes with US priorities.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made Washington’s position clear, saying no agreement will be accepted unless it prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons. President Trump has also indicated he is unlikely to accept Iran’s offer in its current form.

Since the war began, at least 3,375 people have been killed in Iran and at least 2,521 people in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group resumed two days after the Iran war started. Another 23 people have been killed in Israel and more than a dozen in Gulf Arab states. Apart from this, 15 Israeli soldiers in Lebanon, 13 US service members in the region and six UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon have been killed.