Iran offers 48-hour Hormuz reopening plan as Trump signals progress in talks

Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours if the United States fulfills its conditions, presenting a potential breakthrough in efforts to end the conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Qatari mediators had condensed Tehran's initial seven-day reopening plan. Under the updated plan, the U.S. would take actions on the first day, followed by resuming shipping on the second.

Concurrently, Iranian negotiators reportedly engaged in a third day of talks with Qatari mediators on Sunday to reach an agreement to end the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran, according to a Reuters report. President Donald Trump expressed that negotiations were "progressing well" and that Iran desired a deal, although he added that Washington was not rushing.

He also renewed threats against Iranian nuclear sites, including the facility known as Pickaxe Mountain. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Trump had not yet decided on launching fresh strikes and that a diplomatic resolution remained feasible. An Iranian delegation was in Doha for consultations with mediators, but no direct U.S.-Iran talks were planned.

Tehran's demands encompass sanctions relief, the release of frozen funds, restored oil waivers, recognition of a shipping route designated with Oman, and a reduced U.S. military presence, along with an end to attacks on Lebanon. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei claimed that a letter from Vice President JD Vance suggested a more conciliatory U.S. stance, but reiterated that Iran would not reopen Hormuz until its demands were met.

The diplomatic overture coincided with heightened military warnings. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ordered commanders to prepare an immediate response to any attack without geographic limitations, and Iranian officials threatened strikes on a broader range of targets. Maritime risks persist. Iran's navy reported a tanker caught fire after colliding with mines east of Hormuz, without specifying the ship or the crew's status.

U.S. Central Command stated that its blockade of Iranian ports had rerouted 144 commercial vessels. Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy disclosed that two oil tankers exploded after encountering mines while traveling through an "unauthorized route" in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state news on Sunday. Iran has imposed limitations on vessels attempting to pass through the waterway and attacked ships it alleges have violated those restrictions, as Tehran seeks to assert dominance over the strategic passage and intensify pressure on Washington.

U.S. Central Command reported that its blockade of Iranian ports had redirected 144 commercial ships, highlighting the escalating disruption to maritime traffic in the region. The strait's obstruction continues to endanger global energy supplies. Germany's gas storage industry cautioned that reserves stood at 61.35% ahead of winter, falling short of the country's 80% objective, partly due to war-induced energy expenses.

The upcoming days may determine whether the proposed shipping arrangement can advance before Washington and Tehran resolve their disagreements.