In a bid to solidify a tenuous ceasefire and advance peace negotiations, US President Donald Trump has shared a draft peace proposal for the Iran conflict with key allies, including Israel. The framework aims to address several contentious issues, notably the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to unhindered commercial shipping and lifting the current US blockade on Iranian ports. A significant component of the proposal involves granting Iran access to billions of dollars in previously frozen assets, with a 60-day negotiation window dedicated to discussing the future of Iran’s nuclear program.
The draft suggests a gradual normalization of maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, a region that remains crucial for global energy supplies. The negotiations are set to tackle Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, its future enrichment activities, and call for enhanced monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, Iran would be expected to pledge not to develop nuclear weapons. Despite these efforts, US Vice President JD Vance noted that hurdles remain, particularly around uranium enrichment and the management of existing nuclear materials.
Diplomatic efforts are being supported by Pakistan, which has been instrumental in facilitating indirect talks between the US and Iran. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is slated to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington to further these discussions. However, the Gulf region remains on edge, with recent military incidents between US and Iranian forces underscoring the ceasefire’s fragility and the potential for conflict escalation.
Reactions to the proposal have been mixed among regional stakeholders. Israel has expressed concerns that the framework defers critical decisions regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while debates continue over sanctions relief and maritime security arrangements. The management of the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point, with Iran asserting its role in overseeing shipping through the passage, while the US insists on unimpeded navigation and rejects any future toll system for commercial vessels.
As negotiations proceed, oil markets are closely attuned to developments due to the Strait’s significance in international energy supply. Analysts highlight that the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the ceasefire can evolve into a comprehensive diplomatic agreement, potentially easing regional tensions and stabilizing global energy markets.