By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: The United States has linked any potential ceasefire agreement with Iran to the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, according to media reports.
Reports, citing Indian media, said negotiations were under way between Washington and Tehran on a possible ceasefire, with a proposal that Iran would reopen the key shipping route in exchange for a halt in hostilities.
Donald Trump reportedly discussed the issue in a phone call with Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on prospects for de-escalation.
Following the call, Trump said in a social media statement that Iran’s leadership wanted a ceasefire, but stressed that any agreement would depend on making the Strait of Hormuz “completely open and secure”. He warned that failure to meet this condition could lead to continued US action against Iran.
Iran rejected the claims, with a foreign ministry spokesperson calling them “false and baseless”.
Trump also indicated that Washington could consider ending the conflict within two to three weeks if it was satisfied that Iran was no longer capable of developing nuclear weapons, even without a formal ceasefire.
Meanwhile, China and Pakistan have reportedly put forward a proposal that includes both a ceasefire and the reopening of the strategic waterway.
J. D. Vance has also contacted mediating parties, signalling that the US is seeking a swift agreement, while warning that pressure on Iran’s infrastructure could increase if talks fail.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed prospects of progress, saying trust between the two sides was “zero” and that Iran would not negotiate under threats or deadlines.
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