Iran is reviewing a US response to its proposal for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and will send its reply through intermediaries once the assessment is complete, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday.
Baghaei told reporters that Tehran continues to exchange messages through intermediaries but did not provide further details. Qatar and Pakistan are among the countries involved in diplomatic efforts to end the war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.
Iran submitted its proposal in mid September after a temporary ceasefire reached in June collapsed and fighting resumed. Tehran later confirmed receiving Washington’s response, but negotiations have since stalled.
Iran’s security chief said on Sunday that the US response failed to adequately address Tehran’s seven conditions for reopening the strategic waterway and returning to negotiations.
A major disagreement concerns Iran’s nuclear programme. Washington wants the issue addressed from the outset, while Tehran insists that initial negotiations should focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring security in the waterway.
Before the war, the strait carried about one fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade, making its reopening a major concern for international energy markets.
Baghaei also addressed rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Houthi movement, an ally of Iran. He said Tehran remained willing to support a peaceful resolution, arguing that the crisis should be settled through dialogue and agreements between the parties.
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