Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Iran Rejects Nuclear Concessions in Strait of Hormuz Proposal
Iran and the United States are discussing a possible deal to reduce fighting.
Iran controls access to the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for ships carrying oil.
Iran says it could reopen the strait if the United States lifts a naval blockade, releases frozen Iranian money and removes oil sanctions.
Iran also says fighting would stop on all fronts within seven days.
However, Iran says it will not give up its right to enrich uranium.
It also says it will not send its highly enriched uranium out of the country.
Iran would discuss its nuclear program in detail only after the United States meets its other demands.
Western countries worry about Iran’s uranium enrichment, while Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States meets all of Tehran’s conditions.
The conditions include lifting a naval blockade on Iranian ports, releasing frozen funds and waiving oil sanctions.
Iran says hostilities on all fronts would end within seven days under the proposal.
Tehran would discuss its nuclear program only after the conditions are fulfilled, but says it will not surrender uranium-enrichment rights or ship highly enriched uranium abroad.
The United States seeks free passage through the strategic oil route, while Iran seeks economic relief amid escalating regional tensions.
- Who
- Iran and the United States are the principal parties; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, President Masoud Pezeshkian and an unnamed senior Iranian official are cited.
- What
- Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for United States concessions while refusing nuclear concessions.
- When
- The proposal and official comments were reported on September 25, after discussions on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
- Where
- The diplomatic discussions took place alongside the United Nations General Assembly; the Strait of Hormuz is the central bargaining point.
- Why
- Iran seeks relief from the reported United States blockade, sanctions and frozen funds, while Washington seeks free passage through the blocked oil-shipping route and limits on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iran’s Position
United States and Western Position
Reopening the strait
Iran’s Position
Iran says it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz only after the United States meets all of its stated conditions.
United States and Western Position
The United States seeks free passage for ships through the strategically important global oil-supply route.
Economic and military conditions
Iran’s Position
Iran wants the reported naval blockade lifted, frozen funds released, oil sanctions waived and hostilities ended before proceeding.
United States and Western Position
The reported United States objective is to regain access through the strait while maintaining pressure connected to the conflict and Iran’s nuclear program.
Nuclear program
Iran’s Position
Iran says it will not surrender its enrichment rights or ship highly enriched uranium abroad, although Iranian authorities have said dilution could be considered.
United States and Western Position
The United States, Israel and other Western states seek restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities, including the removal of highly enriched uranium from the country.
- Iran’s conditions
- Lift the United States naval blockade on Iranian ports, release frozen Iranian funds and waive oil sanctions.
- Strait of Hormuz
- Iran says the waterway will remain closed until all of its conditions are met.
- Hostilities
- Iran’s proposal calls for hostilities to end on all fronts, including Lebanon, within seven days.
- Nuclear negotiations
- Tehran says detailed nuclear talks would begin only after the United States fulfills its conditions.
- Nuclear position
- An Iranian official says Iran will not concede its right to enrich uranium or ship highly enriched uranium abroad.
- Uranium estimate
- The International Atomic Energy Agency estimated that Iran held 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% when its nuclear facilities were attacked in June 2025.
- Possible uranium step
- Iranian authorities have said Iran could agree to dilute its most highly enriched uranium.
