Iran signals seven-day timeline to reopen Hormuz amid negotiations with US

September 28 ------ The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the central maritime bargaining chip in renewed efforts to end the nearly seven-month US-Iran conflict, with negotiators exploring a phased arrangement under which Tehran would restore passage through the waterway in return for Washington easing its economic and military pressure on Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz is at the center of a high-stakes diplomatic bargain between Washington and Tehran, with the future of one of the world’s most important shipping lanes now closely tied to efforts to end the seven-month conflict.

US and Iranian negotiators meeting in New York are exploring a series of reciprocal steps that could see Iran restore commercial access through the strategic waterway in exchange for Washington easing sanctions and military pressure on Tehran.

For global shipping, the outcome could determine whether one of the key arteries for international oil trade returns to more predictable operations. As previously reported, Iranian officials have indicated that Tehran could reopen the Strait within days if the United States takes initial steps to reduce military pressure and ease sanctions. One proposal reportedly calls for the waterway to be reopened within six days, followed by the resumption of talks on Iran’s nuclear program the next day.

Under the proposal, Iran would seek the lifting of sanctions on its oil exports, an end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the release of some Iranian assets currently frozen overseas.

The proposal is intended to accelerate commitments outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two sides in June, particularly by bringing forward the timetable for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

Maritime access at center of negotiations

The Strait of Hormuz has become increasingly central to the conflict because of its importance to international energy and maritime trade. Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway carries implications far beyond the immediate region.

Iran has said an arrangement covering temporary passage through the Strait has been agreed with Oman and described the agreement as effectively complete. Tehran has also indicated that it is prepared to register the details with the International Maritime Organization.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said he was awaiting a response from Washington to the proposal. He also said he had consulted China on the plan and that Beijing had expressed full support. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, placed responsibility for ending the conflict on Washington. “It’s America that must choose whether it wants to end this or not,” Pezeshkian said in an interview aired on 24 September by Fox News, when asked whether the war could end before the end of the year.

His comments came amid continued military activity across the Middle East. Saudi authorities said Friday that Houthi forces had launched dozens of missiles and drones towards Saudi targets and that six ballistic missiles had been intercepted.

China enters the diplomatic equation

Meanwhile, the diplomatic effort is also unfolding against the backdrop of a high-level US-China summit in Washington. Chinese President Xi Jinping is on a three-day state visit to the United States, with discussions covering trade, artificial intelligence, Taiwan and the conflict involving Iran.

Beijing has increasingly positioned itself as a potential intermediary in efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Zhai Jun, China’s special envoy for the Middle East, said at an event in Singapore that the situation in the region had been a major issue in discussions between the Chinese and US leaders. “The Middle East situation was a big issue in the leaders’ discussion that just took place, and the consensus they reached there will be critical to cooling the temperature in the conflict,” Zhai said.

US President Donald Trump has sought Beijing’s help in pressing Tehran towards a settlement, as indirect US-Iranian negotiations resumed on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Shipping watching for clarity

For the maritime industry, the immediate question is whether diplomatic commitments can translate into reliable and sustained access for commercial vessels.

Iranian officials have signaled that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened within seven days if Washington begins easing pressure on Iranian ports. Any such move would have to be followed by clarity over navigational conditions, security guarantees and the practical arrangements governing the resumption of commercial traffic.

As negotiations continue, the Strait is therefore no longer simply a military or diplomatic pressure point. Its reopening has become a potential first test of whether Washington and Tehran can translate a broader political understanding into concrete measures that restore some stability to the region.

Source: safety4sea.com