What Must Trump Do to Get Iran to Reopen Hormuz?
News Desk
Doha: Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring maritime traffic within two days, provided the United States accepts a series of conditions, as diplomatic efforts mediated by Qatar and Pakistan continue to seek an end to the conflict.
According to reports by Reuters, negotiations are underway in Doha between Iranian representatives and Qatari mediators, with discussions focused on Tehran’s demands and the possibility of reaching an agreement with Washington.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that consultations with Qatari officials were continuing, but said progress towards a final agreement would depend on Washington responding to Iran’s questions and demands.
He said Iran remained prepared for both military defence and diplomacy, expressing hope that the United States would prioritise a diplomatic solution.
Iran Proposes Two-Day Plan to Reopen Hormuz
Araghchi said Tehran had developed a proposal to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within two days.
According to the Iranian foreign minister, the initial proposal envisaged reopening the strategic waterway within seven days. Qatari mediators subsequently suggested reducing the timeframe to five days, before a revised proposal shortened the process to just 48 hours.
Under the proposed arrangement, the United States would take specified steps on the first day, followed by the restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait on the second day.
However, Araghchi stressed that implementing the proposal would depend on Washington accepting Iran’s conditions and fulfilling its commitments.
What Are Iran’s Main Demands of the United States?
According to Al Jazeera, Iran has presented several demands as part of its proposed agreement with Washington. These include:
– Lifting US sanctions imposed following the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
– Reducing the US military presence in the Middle East.
– Restoring waivers related to sanctions on Iranian oil.
– Releasing Iranian financial assets frozen overseas.
– Returning Iranian funds held in foreign countries, including assets frozen in Qatar.
– Recognising specific maritime routes between Iran and Oman within the Strait of Hormuz while closing alternative routes.
Tehran considers these conditions central to restoring normal maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Araghchi indicated that an agreement on reopening the Strait could also create an opportunity for broader negotiations with Washington on other outstanding issues.
US Signals Caution Over Possible Renewed Military Action
The diplomatic negotiations in Doha are taking place amid concerns that military confrontation could resume after the November 3 US elections.
President Donald Trump has said Washington would not launch fresh attacks against Iran before the elections. Although he has described the ongoing negotiations as productive, he has not ruled out further military action afterwards.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Trump has not made a final decision about launching new strikes and continues to favour a diplomatic resolution. He added that Washington remains open to negotiations if Tehran pursues a diplomatic settlement.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned that any renewed attack could prompt retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli targets in neighbouring countries.
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, has instructed the armed forces to maintain readiness for a possible attack and strengthen the country’s defensive capabilities.
Araghchi has also said that Iran’s military has strengthened its capabilities based on lessons learned from the previous two wars, adding that Tehran remains prepared for both confrontation and diplomacy.
Pakistan and Qatar Continue Mediation Efforts
Pakistan and Qatar are playing important roles in diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States.
A Qatari delegation held consultations with Iranian officials in Tehran on Friday before diplomatic discussions shifted to Doha.
According to Al Jazeera, Pakistani and Qatari mediators are discussing Iran’s conditions and possible terms of an agreement while seeking to facilitate a diplomatic settlement.
Araghchi said the Iranian delegation that travelled to Qatar was led by a deputy foreign minister and that its primary objective was to advance discussions with Qatari mediators.
He clarified that the visit did not involve plans for direct negotiations with US representatives.
Hormuz Disruption Raises Energy Concerns
The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns over international oil supplies and energy markets.
The Strait is one of the world’s most important maritime energy corridors, carrying substantial volumes of crude oil and other petroleum products to international markets.
Restrictions on shipping through the waterway have intensified concerns about global energy security, with countries across the Middle East and beyond facing the economic consequences of the conflict.
With Iran proposing a 48-hour timetable for reopening the Strait and Washington yet to accept Tehran’s conditions, the Doha negotiations remain a significant diplomatic effort to restore maritime traffic and move towards ending the conflict.
However, the success of the proposal will depend on whether both sides can reach agreement on the terms and implementation of the proposed arrangement.
