Iran has proposed a phased roadmap to de-escalate tensions with the United States, offering to halt hostilities and re-open the Strait of Hormuz while deferring talks on its nuclear programme — a move that could reshape stalled negotiations but leaves Washington’s core concerns unresolved.
A proposal via intermediaries
Iran has, via intermediaries, put forward a formula to the US aimed at ending the war and re-opening the Strait of Hormuz, while postponing discussions on its nuclear programme. Tehran’s proposed “three-stage settlement plan” prioritises an immediate cessation of hostilities and talks on the future of the strait, with nuclear negotiations deferred until agreements are reached on those initial issues.
According to Axios, citing a US official and two sources familiar with the matter, Iran conveyed its proposal through Pakistani intermediaries. Tehran is said to be open to discussing the re-opening of Hormuz to maritime traffic and bringing the conflict to an end, but insists that its nuclear programme should not form part of the current phase of negotiations.
The proposal has reportedly reached the White House, though Washington has yet to respond publicly. Sources cited by Axios suggest the plan could lead either to a prolonged ceasefire or a comprehensive agreement to end the war.
US President Donald Trump is expected to address the Iranian issue during a Situation Room meeting on April 27, where officials will assess the apparent deadlock in talks and consider next steps.
Divisions in Tehran over nuclear demands
Sources say Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, raised the issue during meetings in Islamabad, arguing against including the nuclear programme in the current deal framework. He reportedly indicated to mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar that Iran’s leadership remains divided over US demands to halt uranium enrichment and export its stockpiles.
Alongside the Axios report, a more detailed outline of the proposal has emerged. Broadcaster Al Mayadeen reported that Iran’s three-stage plan begins with ending the war and securing guarantees against further military action targeting Iran and Lebanon. Only then would negotiations move forward.
The second stage would focus on the future of the Strait of Hormuz and mechanisms for its governance after the conflict, potentially involving coordination with Oman and the development of a new legal framework for the region.
Nuclear talks pushed to the final phase
The third stage would address Iran’s nuclear programme, though Tehran has made clear that progress on this front depends on successful outcomes in the first two phases. It is not prepared to engage on nuclear issues before agreements are reached on security and the strait.
In effect, the Iranian proposal structures negotiations around a sequence of “security, Hormuz, nuclear file,” pushing the most contentious issue for Washington to the final stage.
Despite these overtures, Tehran has rejected current US conditions. A Pakistani diplomatic source told Reuters that Iranian officials took a firm stance during talks in Islamabad. “Iran will not accept maximalist demands,” the source said.
According to the same source, Araghchi presented Iran’s position to Pakistan’s prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior officials before departing Islamabad with his delegation. Details of the discussions were not disclosed. Tehran has also ruled out direct contact with US representatives, including envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were expected to travel to Pakistan.
Escalating rhetoric from Washington
Meanwhile, US officials have continued to raise the stakes publicly. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran still has “an open window to choose wisely” by abandoning nuclear weapons “in a meaningful and verifiable way.”
Trump, for his part, struck a more confrontational tone. In an interview with Fox News, he warned that Tehran had only days to make a decision or face severe consequences, claiming its oil infrastructure could be destroyed.
The president also emphasised what he sees as Washington’s negotiating advantage. “All the cards are in the hands of the United States,” he said.
