Iran proposes three-stage plan to end conflict as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate
Iran has presented a detailed three-stage proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict and easing regional tensions, according to Iranian sources. The plan was conveyed to the United States through Pakistan by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi as part of an intensified diplomatic effort.
Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Sunday after a brief stop in Oman, marking his second visit to Pakistan in recent days. His trip is part of a broader regional push to open communication channels between Tehran and Washington at a time of heightened tensions.
According to the proposal, the first stage calls for a complete cessation of hostilities along with firm and binding guarantees to prevent future attacks on Iran and Lebanon. Tehran has made it clear that without such assurances, no further discussions can move forward. The second stage focuses on the management and security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments. The third stage would address Iran’s nuclear program, though Iranian officials have emphasized that nuclear talks will only take place after meaningful progress is achieved in the earlier phases.
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that Araghchi also delivered written messages to Washington outlining Tehran’s “red lines,” particularly regarding its nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. The communication was described as a clarification of Iran’s position rather than the start of formal negotiations.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the United States has shown little willingness to engage under the proposed framework. US President Donald Trump said he had canceled a planned delegation visit to Pakistan, describing further talks as “a waste of time.” He reiterated that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons, stating that without such assurances there is no basis for negotiations.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Washington’s approach, arguing that continued pressure and hostile measures undermine trust and weaken the chances for meaningful dialogue. He said negotiations cannot succeed in an environment where pressure is simultaneously being increased.
At the same time, tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are intensifying, raising serious concerns about global economic stability. The disruption has already reduced shipping traffic, increased oil prices, and placed additional strain on an already fragile world economy. Trump held a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, emphasizing the urgent need to restore maritime traffic through the route.
Starmer warned that the ongoing disruption has left many seafarers stranded in the Gulf and cautioned that prolonged instability could have serious consequences for the global economy, including rising living costs in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, Iran has signaled a firmer stance, with Ebrahim Azizi stating that ships passing through the strait may be required to pay fees, describing it as a key element of Iran’s strategic leverage.
The current crisis follows a sharp escalation that began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Tehran and other cities. The attacks reportedly killed senior figures and civilians, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli and US positions across the region while tightening its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
Although a ceasefire was announced on April 8, subsequent talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad on April 11–12 failed to produce any agreement. The United States later imposed a blockade affecting transit to and from Iranian ports via the strait, further escalating the standoff. Araghchi is now expected to continue his diplomatic efforts with a visit to Russia as Tehran seeks broader international support.