Iran delivered a 10-point proposal on Monday aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
According to Iranian state media, cited by the New York Times (NYT), Pakistan, acting as the primary intermediary, conveyed the plan. However, analysts say it is unlikely to resolve key issues before US President Donald Trump’s Tuesday evening deadline for potential new attacks.
While the full text of the Iranian plan has not been released, it reportedly outlines safe passage through the Strait, demands the lifting of sanctions, calls for reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, and seeks an end to regional hostilities.
Two senior Iranian officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the proposal included a guarantee that Iran would not be attacked again, a cessation of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the lifting of all sanctions.
In return, Iran would lift its de facto blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and impose a $2 million fee per ship passing through, to be split with Oman.
Iran’s share would be used to rebuild infrastructure damaged in previous attacks, rather than seeking direct compensation.
Asked about the proposal, Trump on Monday called it “a significant proposal. It’s a significant step,” but added: “It’s not good enough. But it’s a very significant step.”
In recent weeks, the US president has threatened to target critical Iranian infrastructure, including bridges and power plants, if Tehran does not open the Strait of Hormuz by his deadline of 8 p.m. EST on Tuesday.
Legal experts warn that striking civilian infrastructure could be considered a war crime under international law, as per the NYT.
Iranian state media said the proposal “rejected a cease-fire” but emphasized a permanent end to the war on terms aligned with Iran’s interests.
Tehran has cited recent successes, including temporarily halting shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and downing an American F-15E fighter jet, as evidence of its leverage in the negotiations.
Earlier, on March 24, the US sent a 15-point proposal to Iran via Pakistan, which Tehran rejected as “extremely excessive, unusual and illogical,” according to foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.
Trump, meanwhile, told reporters that the US and Israel have achieved “regime change” in Iran, adding: “We’re dealing with different people now. They’re smarter. They’re sharper, I think less radical.”
Notably, US intelligence reports indicate Iran is unlikely to reopen the Strait of Hormuz soon, Reuters reported, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
Tehran views control of the waterway as its main leverage over the US, aiming to restrict capacity, maintain high energy prices, and pressure Trump into negotiations.
The assessments suggest that what was intended as a military campaign to degrade Iran’s forces is now highlighting Tehran’s regional influence by threatening a critical maritime chokepoint.
Analysts warn that any US ground campaign could be prolonged and costly.
In response to the blockade, Iran proposed a “pay-to-pass” system with Oman, requiring ships to obtain permits. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas rejected the plan, emphasizing that international law guarantees toll-free navigation and urging immediate action to restore it.
About one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through the strait, keeping energy markets at risk. Despite the impasse, Trump tweeted optimism for a military solution, claiming with “a little more time” the US could reopen the strait and “make a fortune,” calling it a “gusher for the world.”