Iran says Strait of Hormuz could reopen within days if US eases pressure
Iran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States reduces military pressure and lifts restrictions on Iranian ports, creating a possible opening for renewed diplomacy amid heightened regional tensions.
A senior Iranian official said Tehran is prepared to restore access through the strategic waterway if Washington formally commits to diplomacy and agrees on a clear timetable for negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, making any disruption a major concern for global oil and gas markets, international shipping and regional security.
Tehran sets conditions for reopening
According to the Iranian official, the United States would first need to publicly state that it intends to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means.
Washington would also be expected to ease military pressure and lift restrictions affecting Iranian ports.
If those conditions are met, Tehran says the strait could be reopened within seven days.
Iran’s proposal was reportedly communicated to the United States through mediators on 16 September.
UN gathering offers diplomatic opening
Iran’s delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York has been given authority to pursue diplomatic discussions with Washington, according to the official.
President Masoud Pezeshkian travelled to New York on Tuesday, although a direct meeting with US President Donald Trump is not expected.
Instead, discussions over a possible agreement to reduce hostilities could take place through intermediaries.
Tehran has described the UN gathering as an opportunity to restart diplomacy, while signalling that it expects Washington to take concrete steps before negotiations can advance.
Military tensions remain high
The diplomatic signals come amid continued fears of renewed military confrontation.
Iran’s military leadership recently said it had received information suggesting the United States could be preparing to restart military operations with support from regional partners.
Tehran warned that any renewed attack could trigger a broader retaliation.
The warning highlights the fragile balance between diplomatic engagement and military escalation.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and serves as a critical passage for energy exports from major Gulf producers.
Any prolonged disruption can affect global oil supplies, increase shipping and insurance costs and add pressure to international energy markets.
Its strategic importance also makes the waterway a central pressure point in tensions between Iran and the United States.
What happens next
Iran’s offer provides a potential path towards de-escalation, but significant differences remain between the two sides.
The next stage will depend on whether Washington is prepared to ease military and economic pressure and whether both governments can use intermediaries to establish a workable framework for negotiations.
For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of both the regional security crisis and efforts to revive diplomacy.
