Iran has proposed to reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States takes initial steps to ease military pressure and lift its blockade on Iranian ports, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday.
Why it matters: The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime corridor for global oil and gas shipments, with disruptions impacting energy markets worldwide.
About 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies typically pass through the strait, making its stability critically important.
Shipping traffic has plummeted from around 125 large commercial vessels daily before the conflict to just two on September 21, 2026.
Iran's offer comes as the U.S. prepares to ramp up military operations in the region, raising concerns of renewed hostilities.
Driving the news: Iran's proposal was conveyed to Washington through mediators on September 16, 2026, ahead of the U.N. General Assembly gathering in New York.
The Iranian delegation at the U.N. has full authority to discuss diplomatic negotiations with the U.S., aiming for a permanent end to hostilities.
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian traveled to New York on September 22, 2026, but will not meet U.S. President Donald Trump during the assembly.
Tehran is seeking signs from Washington indicating a willingness to return to negotiations and take tangible steps toward easing tensions.
State of play: The Iranian military central command warned on September 20, 2026, that any new U.S. military operation would lead to retaliation without limitations.
The warning follows reports that the U.S. is preparing to restart military operations with support from regional allies.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council set a 45-day deadline on August 16 for the U.S. to lift the blockade, after which Iran may carry out another attack on U.S. forces.
The conflict began in late February 2026 after the U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran.
The big picture: Iran's offer to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is seen as part of a broader strategy to revive diplomatic discussions with the U.S.
Tehran views the U.N. General Assembly as a "golden opportunity" for the U.S. to re-engage diplomatically.
Economic pressure on Iran has intensified due to the U.S. blockade, severely limiting its crude oil exports.
Reports of Iran's offer have already affected oil prices, contributing to a decline on September 22, 2026.
What they're saying: A senior Iranian official emphasized the need for Washington to make the first move toward diplomacy.
"The U.S. needs to announce that it wants to resolve the issue diplomatically, make that official, and then agree on a timeline for how the process will move forward," the official said.
"There is a possibility of moving toward an agreement," the official added, stressing that U.S. seriousness and commitment are required for progress.
Tehran's proposal aims to establish a framework for reducing military activity and fostering negotiations.
By the numbers: The current situation highlights the economic stakes involved in the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the conflict, around 125 large commercial vessels passed through the strait daily.
Since the onset of hostilities, shipping traffic has drastically reduced, impacting global energy supplies.
Oil prices fell by 2.6% on September 22, 2026, following the announcement of Iran's proposal.
What's next: The U.S. faces a decision on whether to respond to Iran's proposal through diplomatic channels or to escalate military pressure.
The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could alleviate some economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran.
For the U.S., the situation extends beyond bilateral relations, as continued disruptions threaten global energy supplies.
The upcoming discussions at the U.N. General Assembly may determine if this moment serves as a starting point for renewed negotiations or leads to increased tensions.