Iran proposes three-stage deal to US: War first, Hormuz next, then nuke talks

Mangalore Today News Network

Tehran, Apr 27, 2026: A fresh diplomatic opening has emerged in the ongoing conflict involving Iran, as Tehran has presented a new proposal to the United States aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and bringing the war to an end. According to a US official and two sources familiar with the matter, the plan also suggests postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, as reported by Axios.

The development is being seen as a possible step towards de-escalation at a time when talks between the two sides remain stuck.

The latest proposal comes after both sides walked away from the second round of discussions which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan. With negotiations failing to produce progress, Iran has now outlined a structured approach for future talks.

Local media reports stated that Tehran has suggested a three-stage formula, setting clear conditions for resuming dialogue with Washington.

What we know about the 3-stage framework?

According to Al Mayadeen, Iran has conveyed its plan to the United States through mediators. The proposal sets out a phased approach to resolving key issues.

The first stage calls for a complete end to the war, along with guarantees that hostilities will not resume against Iran and Lebanon. This condition is presented as a necessary starting point for any further discussions.

The second stage would begin only if the first is accepted. It focuses on discussions around the management and administration of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments.

The third stage addresses the nuclear question, but only after progress has been made on the first two steps. Iran has made it clear that it is willing to discuss its nuclear programme at a later stage.

This is significant because the United States has consistently demanded that Iran stop uranium enrichment for an extended period and move its stockpile out of the country. By placing the nuclear issue at the end of the process, Iran appears to be seeking immediate relief from conflict pressures before addressing longer-term concerns.

Iran’s approach emphasises that Tehran is prioritising an end to the war and stability in the region before entering into complex nuclear negotiations.

While it remains unclear how Washington will respond, the plan introduces a structured pathway that could potentially revive stalled talks and ease tensions if both sides agree to engage.

The latest proposal appears to sidestep these disagreements by focusing first on ending the immediate crisis. By delaying the nuclear issue, Iranian officials may be seeking a quicker agreement on more urgent concerns.

Impact on US strategy

If the blockade is lifted and the war comes to an end under this proposal, it could weaken US President Donald Trump’s position in later talks. One of Washington’s key aims has been to pressure Iran into reducing its stockpile of enriched uranium and suspending enrichment activities.

Ending the conflict now may remove that leverage, making it more difficult for the US to secure those outcomes in future negotiations.

Key meeting expected in Washington

Attention is now turning to Washington, where President Trump is expected to convene a meeting in the Situation Room on Monday. According to three US officials, senior members of his national security and foreign policy team will attend.

One source said the discussion will focus on the current deadlock and possible next steps in dealing with Iran.

Trump issues fresh threat

In an interview with Fox News on Sunday, Trump indicated that he intends to continue the naval blockade that has significantly affected Iran’s oil exports.

He suggested that sustained pressure could force Tehran to give in over the coming weeks.

“When you have vast amounts of oil pouring through your system … if for any reason this line is closed because you can’t put it into containers or ships … what happens is that line explodes from within," Trump said. He added that Iran may only have a few days before facing serious internal strain.

Talks falter after Islamabad visit

The diplomatic crisis deepened over the weekend following a visit by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to Pakistan, which failed to produce any breakthrough.

The White House had earlier announced that US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner would meet Araghchi in Islamabad. However, Iran’s response was uncertain, and the meeting did not go ahead. Trump later said he had decided to cancel the trip.

“I see no point of sending them on an 18-hour flight in the current situation. It’s too long. We can do it just as well by telephone. The Iranians can call us if they want. We are not gonna travel just to sit there," he said.

Diplomatic engagements

Despite the setback, Araghchi continued his diplomatic efforts. On Sunday, he travelled to Muscat, where he held discussions with Omani officials focusing on the Strait of Hormuz.

He then returned to Islamabad for a second round of talks. On Monday, he was expected to travel to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

These engagements suggest that regional and international channels remain active, even as direct US-Iran talks face difficulties.

Proposal shared through mediators

According to sources, Araghchi presented the idea of bypassing the nuclear issue during meetings in Islamabad. The proposal was conveyed to the United States through mediators from Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar.

One source said Araghchi made it clear that there is no consensus within Iran on how to respond to US demands. Washington has called for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment for at least a decade and remove its enriched uranium from the country.

The new plan instead prioritises resolving the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US blockade.

Focus on ceasefire and future talks

Under the proposal, the ceasefire would either be extended for a significant period or turned into a permanent end to the conflict.

Only after the strait is reopened and the blockade lifted would nuclear negotiations begin.

The White House has received the proposal, but it remains unclear whether US officials are willing to consider it.

A spokesperson for the White House declined to provide details, emphasising the sensitive nature of the discussions.

“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions and the US will not negotiate through the press. As the president has said, the United States holds the cards and will only make a deal that puts the American people first, never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon," said spokesperson Olivia Wales.

Meanwhile, spokespeople for Pakistan’s military and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the proposal.