Tehran, May 8:
Iran said it is reviewing new US proposals aimed at ending the two-month conflict after US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that bombing would resume unless an agreement is reached, including reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
Global markets reacted positively to hopes of a possible breakthrough, especially after the US military intercepted an Iranian oil tanker accused of attempting to breach the American blockade of Iranian ports.
However, the Trump administration’s messaging on the conflict has remained inconsistent, with shifting explanations of its military and diplomatic strategy.
Trump said on social media that ending the war and restoring disrupted oil and gas shipments depended on Iran accepting a deal, though he did not provide details.
“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts,” he warned. Despite the rhetoric, a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has largely held since April 8. Earlier peace talks hosted by Pakistan failed to produce an agreement.
Pakistan has continued to mediate between the two sides. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Islamabad expects an agreement “sooner rather than later” but declined to reveal specifics.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan remains in constant contact with both Washington and Tehran to preserve the ceasefire and advance negotiations.
Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil, gas and other energy products. Iran has effectively restricted access to the waterway while the US maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.
On Wednesday, the US military said a fighter jet disabled an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly tried to bypass the blockade.
Iran has also created a new body called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to regulate passage through the strait and collect transit fees.
According to maritime analysts, the authority seeks to become the sole body approving ship movements in the area.
Experts argue that Iran’s vetting and taxation measures violate international maritime law, including principles under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea guaranteeing peaceful passage.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed Tehran is examining the latest American proposal. He rejected reported details published by Axios, including a temporary halt to Iranian uranium enrichment, sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian assets and reopening the strait.
Regional reactions have also exposed divisions among US allies. A Saudi official said Saudi Arabia did not support the US operation to reopen the strait and refused permission for American forces to use Saudi territory or bases.
Riyadh reportedly assured Iran it would not participate in related attacks.
Trump temporarily suspended the US naval operation, known as Project Freedom, after two days.
Only a few merchant ships successfully used the protected route, while hundreds remain trapped in the Persian Gulf. The disruption has pushed global fuel prices sharply higher, with Brent crude stabilising near USD 100 per barrel.
Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France’s aircraft carrier strike group is moving into the Red Sea for a possible joint French-British mission to secure maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.