Deadlock over key shipping route
Efforts to end the Hormuz Strait crisis remained stalled on Tuesday, as the United States expressed scepticism over a new proposal by Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial maritime route remains effectively blocked under a dual Iranian and American standoff, paralysing vessel traffic.
The Hormuz Strait crisis has become a central issue in attempts to resolve the broader conflict, which erupted following large-scale airstrikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on 28 February.
Ceasefire holds but tensions persist
Although a ceasefire has been in place for the past three weeks, the strait remains closed in practice by Tehran. At the same time, United States continues its blockade of Iranian ports, with negotiations between the two sides showing little progress.
“We do not believe the war is over,” Iranian military spokesperson Amir Akraminia said on state television.
US rejects Tehran proposal
The latest proposal from Tehran, aimed at breaking the impasse, was discussed in Washington by Donald Trump and his senior national security advisers. Reports from CNN and The Wall Street Journal suggest the US president signalled there is little chance of accepting the offer.
Iran has demanded that Washington abandon what it calls “illegal and irrational demands”, insisting the US can no longer dictate policy to sovereign nations. According to Axios, the proposal involves reopening the strait, ending the war, and only then entering negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Rising pressure and global impact
Iran’s parliament is preparing legislation that would place the strait under military authority, restrict passage for vessels linked to Israel, and impose transit fees payable in Iranian rials.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected the idea, stating Washington would not accept a system where Iran controls access to an international waterway.
Analysts at The Soufan Center say Iranian leaders may be counting on rising oil prices and potential shortages to pressure Washington into compromise.
Since the blockade of Iranian ports began on 13 April, dozens of vessels have been forced to turn back. Meanwhile, the price of Brent crude has surged above $111 per barrel, underlining the global economic impact of the Hormuz Strait crisis.
Risk of prolonged conflict
Amid the diplomatic stalemate, Qatar warned of the risk of a “frozen conflict” in the Gulf. The Gulf Cooperation Council also condemned Iran’s actions and called for efforts to rebuild trust.
The war has claimed thousands of lives, mainly in Iran and Lebanon. A revised toll from Iranian state media put the death count from a school bombing in Minab at 155, including 120 children.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions killed at least eight people and injured members of the Lebanese army, according to authorities in Beirut.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar insisted that Israel has no territorial ambitions in southern Lebanon, despite ongoing military deployments following the ceasefire.
Also read: Russian superyacht passes Strait of Hormuz despite blockade
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