Web Desk: Iran has proposed a new diplomatic framework to the United States that would focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending ongoing hostilities, while postponing nuclear negotiations for a later stage, according to U.S. officials and media reports on Monday.
The proposal, reported by Axios citing a US official, is aimed at breaking a prolonged diplomatic stalemate between Washington and Tehran. It comes as Iran’s leadership remains divided over what concessions, if any, it should offer on its nuclear program.
Under the suggested framework, nuclear talks would be separated from immediate negotiations in an effort to accelerate a broader political and security arrangement, officials familiar with the discussions said.
However, analysts warn that lifting pressure on maritime restrictions could weaken US leverage aimed at curbing Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is expected to chair a high-level meeting with national security and foreign policy advisers on Monday to assess the evolving situation, according to officials.
The White House is expected to review the stalled negotiations and consider potential next steps as tensions remain high over maritime restrictions and Iran’s nuclear activities.
In a television interview on Sunday, Trump signaled support for maintaining pressure through maritime disruption measures that have constrained Iranian oil exports. He warned that prolonged restrictions on shipment flows could create internal system instability, though he did not provide evidence for the claim.
The latest diplomatic uncertainty follows a stalled second round of talks between Iran and the United States, which saw no significant breakthrough during Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s regional engagements in Pakistan.
Earlier, the White House had indicated that Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner would meet Araghchi in Islamabad. However, the meeting was canceled after Tehran did not provide a clear response, officials said.
Trump later defended the cancellation, saying long-distance diplomatic travel was unnecessary when communication could occur by phone or other channels.
Behind the scenes, Araghchi has reportedly conveyed to mediators in Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, and Qatar that Iran’s leadership remains split over U.S. demands.
According to the proposal relayed through Pakistani intermediaries, Tehran suggested prioritizing resolution of the Strait of Hormuz situation and broader conflict de-escalation before addressing nuclear negotiations. Talks on the nuclear file would resume only after maritime tensions ease, the report said.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wells said the administration would not negotiate through media channels.
She added that President Trump has made clear that Washington will only agree to terms that serve U.S. interests and prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Pakistan has not issued an official comment on its reported role in facilitating the proposal, according to the report.
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