Iran Weighs US Response to Hormuz Proposal as Talks Remain Stalled

Iran will respond to Washington's proposal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after completing its review of the U.S. position, as disagreements over the waterway and Tehran's nuclear program continue to obstruct negotiations.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Tehran was examining Washington's response and would communicate its decision through intermediaries.

He said indirect exchanges with the U.S. were continuing but provided no details on their substance or the timing of Iran's reply.

Hormuz Negotiations Remain Stalled

Iran submitted its proposal to reopen the strategic waterway in mid-September, following the collapse of an interim ceasefire reached in June and the resumption of intermittent strikes.

Tehran subsequently acknowledged receiving a U.S. response, but negotiations have made little progress.

On Sunday, Iran's security chief said Washington had failed to adequately address Tehran's seven conditions for reopening the strait and returning to negotiations.

The deadlock has also fueled disagreements over Iran's leverage in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran Dismisses US Claims on Hormuz's Importance

Baghaei also rejected Washington's assertions that the strait had become less important and that Iran had lost its leverage.

"The Americans’ claims do not match what we are seeing on the ground at all," Baghaei said.

"They can keep saying that the Strait of Hormuz no longer matters and that Iran has lost its leverage. We will continue doing what we are doing."

Baghaei also dismissed the potential impact of Washington's statements on financial markets, while denying that Iran's actions in the strait had been designed to strengthen its negotiating position.

"I don't think the markets will pay much attention to such claims either. But let me make one thing clear: What happened in the Strait of Hormuz was not intended to create leverage."

Nuclear Dispute Further Complicates Talks

Beyond disagreements over the strait itself, the two sides remain divided over what issues should be addressed in the initial stage of negotiations.

The U.S. wants Iran's nuclear program addressed from the beginning of any discussions.

Tehran, however, maintains that the first stage should concentrate on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring security in the waterway.

Despite the continuing deadlock, Baghaei indicated that diplomatic communications had not been suspended.