US to lift Iran sanctions over Hormuz reopening
The United States has reportedly offered to lift sanctions on Iran and end its naval blockade in exchange for Tehran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting attacks by regional proxies, according to Al Arabiya.
The proposal was reportedly conveyed by Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during a recent visit to Tehran, where he met Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. The meeting was described as a “clear and decisive” discussion, according to the report.
Hormuz at the centre of proposal
Under the reported terms, Iran would guarantee free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and stop attacks by regional proxy groups.
The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with around one-fifth of global oil supplies typically passing through it.
In return, Washington would scrap its newly launched “Operation Economic Outcast,” lift sanctions on Iran and terminate its naval blockade, the report said.
The reported initiative is being presented separately from efforts to revive parts of a June 2026 memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending hostilities and restoring shipping through the strait.
Iran maintains key demands
According to the report, Tehran’s demands remain unchanged.
Iran is seeking $300 billion in compensation from the United States, the lifting of all US sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets estimated at $100 billion to $123 billion, an end to the naval blockade, the withdrawal of US troops from the region and a comprehensive ceasefire covering Lebanon and Gaza.
Iranian officials have not publicly announced a formal response to the latest proposal. Rezaei reportedly told Munir that Tehran would continue consultations on the matter.
New US pressure campaign
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast on August 24, targeting Iran’s remaining financial channels, including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping.
The diplomatic initiative through Pakistan comes as efforts to revive negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain uncertain.
An earlier 60-day interim understanding reached in June had temporarily eased the US blockade and partially reopened the Strait of Hormuz, but later collapsed amid accusations of violations by both sides, according to the report.
Meanwhile, China has rejected pressure to alter its economic ties with Iran and opposed what it described as unilateral US measures.
The Strait of Hormuz remains at the heart of the standoff. Any agreement restoring regular shipping through the waterway could ease pressure on global energy markets, while continued disruption could prolong economic and security risks.
