Gulf nations propose four-day window to reopen Hormuz strait

Shipping lanes through the strait of Hormuz could reopen within four days if a new Gulf-backed deal holds. The proposal ties the reopening directly to the lifting of economic sanctions. Gulf states are pushing this timeline to stop a new war between the United States and Iran.

Iran’s deputy secretary of the national security council, Dr. Ali Bagheri, confirmed a shift in the country’s position. He stated that Tehran is willing to cut its original seven-day proposal down to four days. This concession addresses the primary demand for immediate economic relief.

The agreement includes a parallel track for Yemen. The plan calls for the Houthis to withdraw substantial forces from inside Yemen. Iran met with the Houthi ambassador to discuss this role on Tuesday. This meeting occurred one day after a delegation from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan visited Tehran.

The United States has learned of the progress but is seeking a different concession. Washington wants Iran to allow UN weapons inspectors back into the country. British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband urged this step during a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York. Iran has refused so far, saying it will only discuss its nuclear program in principle.

European diplomats view the return of inspectors as a minimum requirement for a breakthrough with President Donald Trump. They believe inspections of bombed nuclear sites are necessary. Iran remains focused on securing guarantees of sanctions relief before agreeing to these tactical concessions.

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi supports the broader security architecture being drafted. He described the potential for eight countries to live at peace as having enormous economic potential. Albusaidi said the US administration understands this is the direction the region is heading. He noted that the talks have discussed this vision in length.

Iran successfully steered the recent trilateral meeting away from its nuclear program. The focus shifted to a long-term regional security vision that includes the Gulf states and Iran. The goal is to reduce or end the US military presence in the Middle East. A new non-aggression pact would also end Iran’s ostracization by its Gulf neighbors, a status that has persisted since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the importance of this postwar pact during a televised event in Iran. He said he is already thinking about the postwar period regardless of whether a new war starts. Araghchi stated that Iran’s policies remain the same in either scenario.