Iran’s Three-Stage Plan for U.S. Talks: Ceasefire First, Hormuz Next, Nuclear Talks Later

Iran has passed a new proposal to intermediaries outlining a three-phase framework for renewing negotiations with the United States, according to a report published yesterday (Monday) by the Al-Mayadeen network. Tehran made clear that talks can resume only if Washington accepts the framework in full, and that no additional issues will be discussed before the first phase is completed.

According to journalist Barak Ravid in Axios, the proposal centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a ceasefire, while postponing discussion of the nuclear issue to a later stage.

Under the plan, the first phase would focus on ending the fighting and securing guarantees that hostilities will not resume, both with Iran and on the Lebanese front. Iranian officials described this as a fundamental condition, emphasizing that without agreement on this point, there will be no progress to the next phase.

Only after initial understandings are reached would the second phase begin, addressing the future management of the Strait of Hormuz after the war. Discussions are expected to involve Oman and aim to establish a new legal framework for the strategic waterway.

The third and final phase would address Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran has stated that this issue will not be discussed until full agreements are reached in the earlier stages, effectively placing the Hormuz issue at the center of the negotiations while deferring the nuclear question.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced yesterday in an interview with Fox News that planned talks in Islamabad had been suspended. He said he had instructed his envoys to return to the United States, explaining that despite his appreciation for Pakistan’s leadership, “the long flight of about 18 hours no longer justifies the effort.”

Trump added that he expects Iran to take the next step if it wants to continue negotiations, saying, “All they need to do is call or come to the U.S.”