Iran Offers US Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within a Week

WASHINGTON — Iran has said it can reopen the Strait of Hormuz within a week if the United States accepts a phased plan to lift the blockade, a move that could restore the flow of about 20 percent of the world’s oil traffic through the narrow waterway. The announcement came on 25 September 2026, as U.S. officials and Iranian diplomats discussed a potential framework for easing restrictions that have kept the strait partially closed since early 2023.

Background of the Blockade

The Strait of Hormuz, a 21‑kilometre channel between Oman and Iran, is a critical artery for global energy supplies. In 2023, the United States imposed sanctions that limited Iranian shipping through the strait, citing concerns over maritime security and regional stability. The blockade has cost shipping companies billions in rerouting fees and has heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf.

Iran’s Proposal

According to a report by Anadolu Ajansı, Iranian officials stated that the country could lift the blockade within seven days if Washington agrees to a phased reopening plan. The plan, as described by the outlet, would involve incremental steps, including the removal of certain sanctions and the establishment of a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure compliance with international maritime norms.

South China Morning Post added that the proposal was presented by the Iranian Foreign Ministry during a meeting with U.S. diplomatic representatives in New York. The proposal would allow Iranian vessels to transit the strait under a set of agreed safety protocols, with the U.S. providing assurances that its sanctions regime would be adjusted accordingly.

U.S. Response

Bloomberg reported that U.S. officials are exploring a phased deal to reopen the strait. The U.S. Department of State has indicated that any agreement would need to address security concerns and the enforcement of sanctions against Iranian entities involved in maritime trade. The U.S. is also reviewing the potential impact on its allies in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The U.S. has not yet released a formal statement on the proposal. However, a spokesperson for the State Department said that the administration is open to dialogue but would require a clear framework that protects U.S. interests and upholds international law.

Implications for Global Shipping

Reopening the strait would reduce shipping costs for oil tankers and could stabilize oil prices, which have fluctuated due to geopolitical tensions. Analysts note that the strait’s reopening would also signal a thaw in U.S.–Iran relations, potentially affecting broader diplomatic engagements in the Middle East.

Experts from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) have highlighted that any reopening must include robust monitoring to prevent illicit activities. The IMO has previously issued guidelines for safe navigation in the region, which both sides would need to adhere to.

Regional Reactions

Oman and the United Arab Emirates, both key transit countries, have expressed cautious optimism. The Omani Ministry of Transport issued a statement that it would support any initiative that ensures safe passage for all vessels. Meanwhile, the UAE’s maritime authority has called for transparent communication to avoid disruptions.

Iranian officials have emphasized that the proposal is a sign of goodwill and a step toward normalizing trade relations. The Iranian Foreign Ministry’s statement, as reported by Al Jazeera, underscored the country’s willingness to cooperate with international partners to secure the free flow of commerce.

Next Steps

Both sides are expected to hold further talks in the coming days. The U.S. has scheduled a meeting with the Iranian delegation in Washington, while Iran has requested a joint inspection team to oversee the implementation of the proposed safety protocols.

Should the U.S. accept the plan, the strait could be reopened within a week, a development that would have immediate effects on global oil markets and regional security dynamics.