US-Israel-Iran war highlights: Iran offers to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US lifts blockade, ends war

Iran has offered to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the United States lifting its blockade and bringing an end to the ongoing conflict according to two regional officials familiar with the negotiationsThe proposal conveyed to Washington via Pakistan suggests that discussions on Iranrsquos nuclear programme could be deferred to a later phase However indications suggest that Donald Trump is unlikely to accept the offer as it leaves unresolved the core issues that triggered the conflict involving the US and Israel earlier this yearFragile Ceasefire Amid Strategic DeadlockDespite a ceasefire currently in place tensions remain high The US and Iran continue to face off over control of the Strait of Hormuz mdash a critical maritime corridor through which nearly 20 per cent of the worldrsquos oil and gas supplies pass during peacetimeWashingtonrsquos blockade aims to restrict Iranrsquos oil exports cutting off a key revenue stream At the same time Iranrsquos restriction of passage through the strait has disrupted global energy markets and placed pressure on US allies in the Gulf who rely heavily on the route for exportsThe economic fallout has been widespread with rising fuel costs triggering increases in prices of essential commodities including food and fertilisersOil Prices Surge as Strait Remains ShutIranrsquos control over the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf has proven to be one of its most effective strategic tools in the conflict The closure has stranded oil tankers and disrupted global supply chainsAs of Monday Brent crude prices were trading at approximately USD 108 per barrel mdash nearly 50 per cent higher than levels seen at the start of the war The spike has intensified political pressure on Washington particularly ahead of key electoral timelinesDiplomatic Moves IntensifyIranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg signalling Tehranrsquos effort to consolidate diplomatic backing Russia has historically been a key ally of Iran and Moscow reiterated its support while calling for peace in the regionAraghchi described the meeting as an opportunity to consult on evolving war developments while regional diplomacy continued through parallel engagements with Pakistan Oman Qatar and Saudi ArabiaPakistan has been attempting to mediate between Washington and Tehran though recent inperson talks were cancelled in favour of potential remote negotiationsProposal Includes Delayed Nuclear TalksIranrsquos proposal also suggests postponing negotiations over its nuclear programme mdash a central concern for the US President Trump has repeatedly emphasised that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a nonnegotiable objectiveWhile Tehran maintains that its nuclear programme is peaceful Washington continues to push for the removal of Iranrsquos stockpile of highly enriched uraniumMounting Casualties and Regional ImpactThe conflict has taken a heavy human toll Thousands have been killed across multiple countries including Iran Lebanon and Israel with additional casualties reported among US personnel and UN peacekeepersAlthough ceasefires have temporarily reduced active fighting a longterm resolution remains uncertain with major disagreements still unresolvedMediation Efforts Face ChallengesIran is also reportedly seeking Omanrsquos support for a mechanism to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strait mdash a move that could further complicate negotiations However Omanrsquos stance remains unclearMediators particularly from Pakistan continue efforts to bridge significant gaps between the US and Iran but progress has been limited so farWith inputs from Agencies