Iran proposes phased deal to ease Hormuz tensions, defer nuclear talks: Axios report

Iran has put forward a proposal to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and de-escalating the conflict, while deferring contentious nuclear negotiations to a later phase, according to a report by Axios citing U.S. and regional sources.

The initiative reflects a diplomatic impasse, with the report saying there are divisions within Iran’s leadership over how far to go in meeting U.S. nuclear demands. By separating maritime security from the nuclear file, Tehran appears to be seeking a quicker path to easing tensions and restoring oil flows through the strategic waterway.

However, such a move could dilute Washington’s leverage in future negotiations, the report added. U.S. President Donald Trump has framed the curtailment of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and a halt to enrichment activities as central objectives, goals that could become harder to secure once the blockade is lifted and hostilities subside.

According to the report, senior U.S. officials are expected to review the situation at a White House meeting, where options for breaking the deadlock will be discussed. Trump has indicated he favors maintaining pressure through a naval blockade that has significantly constrained Iran’s oil exports, suggesting it could force concessions in the coming weeks.

Efforts to revive diplomacy have so far yielded limited progress. A planned meeting in Islamabad between U.S. envoys and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was called off after Tehran signaled reluctance, with Trump saying direct travel was unnecessary under current conditions. Araghchi has since held talks in Muscat focused on maritime security and is expected to continue consultations in Moscow.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, Iranian officials have privately acknowledged a lack of internal consensus on responding to U.S. demands, which include a long-term suspension of uranium enrichment and the removal of existing stockpiles. The proposal conveyed through regional mediators prioritizes reopening the strait, extending or formalizing a ceasefire, and postponing nuclear talks until after immediate economic and security concerns are addressed.

While the White House has received the proposal, it remains unclear whether Washington is prepared to engage on that basis. A spokesperson said the United States would not conduct negotiations through the media and reiterated that any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon while safeguarding U.S. interests.