Iran Submits Proposal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz and End War — Nuclear Talks Deferred

Iran submitted a formal proposal to the United States via intermediaries on April 26, 2026 for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war, according to Axios reporting confirmed by multiple outlets. The proposal deliberately deferred nuclear discussions to a later stage — a significant concession in framing, as the US has consistently listed Iran's nuclear program as a top demand. The move came after President Trump abruptly canceled Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner's planned trip to Islamabad on April 25, leaving Iranian FM Araghchi in Pakistan without an American counterpart. Iran's proposal signaled continued willingness to negotiate on maritime and economic dimensions of the conflict even as the two sides remained far apart on comprehensive terms. Senior Iranian officials cautioned that the proposal should not be interpreted as capitulation — Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated Iran has no current plans for further direct negotiation rounds, citing 'growing mistrust' over the US cancellation. The US had not publicly responded to the proposal as of the evening of April 26. The dual-blockade — Iran holding MSC Francesca, Epaminondas, and other seized vessels while the US blockades Iranian ports — continued to freeze commercial shipping.