The administration of US President Donald Trump is reviewing an Iranian proposal aimed at halting the ongoing conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while deferring negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Under the proposal, Iran suggests shelving nuclear discussions until the war—currently paused under a ceasefire announced earlier this month—is formally concluded and maritime disputes in the Gulf are resolved.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales said Washington has “been clear about our red lines” as it works to end the conflict it launched alongside Israel in February.
A landmark 2015 agreement between Iran and world powers, including the United States, had significantly restricted Tehran’s nuclear activities. Iran has consistently maintained that its programme is for peaceful civilian purposes. However, the deal collapsed after Trump withdrew from it during his first term.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi engaged in intense diplomatic efforts over the weekend, making two visits to Islamabad, alongside trips to Oman and Russia. In Moscow on Monday, he met President Vladimir Putin and received backing from the long-time ally.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Deputy Defence Minister Reza Talaei-Nik said Tehran is prepared to share its defensive capabilities and wartime experience with “independent” nations, including members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
UAE leaves Opec
In a major shift in global energy politics, the United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it is withdrawing from Opec, citing strategic policy considerations amid the ongoing regional crisis.
Energy Minister Suhail Mohamed al-Mazrouei said the decision followed a comprehensive review of the country’s current and future production strategies. He confirmed that Abu Dhabi did not consult other Opec members, including Saudi Arabia, before making the move.
The UAE’s exit threatens to weaken the cohesion of the oil producers’ bloc, which has long sought to maintain unity despite internal disagreements over geopolitics and production quotas.
The decision comes as Gulf producers face mounting challenges in exporting oil through the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint between Iran and Oman that typically handles about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
The move is also seen as a political boost for Trump, who has repeatedly criticised Opec for inflating oil prices and linked US security support in the Gulf to fair energy pricing.
Tensions have further escalated after the UAE criticised fellow Arab states for what it described as insufficient support against repeated Iranian attacks during the conflict. Presidential adviser Anwar Gargash voiced these concerns at the Gulf Influencers Forum on Monday.
Russia backs Iran’s Hormuz stance
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, has defended Iran’s right to control navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that such measures are justified during wartime.
“In times of war, a coastal state under attack may restrict navigation in its territorial waters for security reasons,” Nebenzia said, rejecting accusations that Iran alone is responsible for regional tensions.
He also accused Western nations of hypocrisy, comparing their actions to piracy and criticising European support for Ukrainian strikes on Russian vessels in the Black Sea.
Iranian tankers blocked
The conflict continues to disrupt global shipping, with at least six Iranian oil tankers reportedly forced to turn back due to a US-led blockade, according to ship-tracking data.
Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the actions as “legalised piracy and armed robbery on the high seas”. However, government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said Tehran had anticipated such scenarios and implemented contingency plans.
She noted that Iran is increasingly relying on alternative trade corridors in the north, east and west to mitigate the blockade’s impact.
Before the conflict, between 125 and 140 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz daily. That number has now plummeted dramatically, with only seven ships recorded in the past 24 hours—none carrying oil destined for global markets, according to maritime analytics firms.
