In a move that could signal a pivot in the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran, diplomatic sources suggest Tehran has proposed a three-stage roadmap designed to halt regional hostilities and stabilize the Strait of Hormuz before tackling the contentious issue of its nuclear program. The proposal follows a series of failed negotiations earlier this spring, including a 15-point U.S.-backed plan that struggled to gain approval from Iranian leadership. By structuring the path forward into distinct phases, Tehran appears to be signaling that it is prepared to prioritize immediate regional security to alleviate the mounting pressure on its economy and borders.

The first phase of the plan demands a total cessation of military operations, coupled with verified, long-term guarantees that the United States will refrain from further strikes against Iran and its allies in Lebanon. Iranian negotiators reportedly view this as the non-negotiable bedrock for any further dialogue, aiming to lock in a durable ceasefire before moving to secondary disputes.

Once a sustainable truce is in place, the second phase would address the administration of the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of this vital maritime artery has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, creating a sense of urgency for Western powers to restore freedom of navigation. Analysts note that by offering to reopen the strait as part of a staged deal, Tehran is using its leverage over global oil supplies as a tool to gain the diplomatic space it needs to avoid immediate nuclear discussions. The third and final phase involves formal negotiations over the future of Iran’s nuclear program. By deferring these talks to the end of the sequence, Tehran is attempting to bypass the immediate, stringent conditions Washington has long demanded regarding enrichment levels.

While the White House has maintained that it does not conduct negotiations through public forums, officials have reiterated their core policy remains the prevention of a nuclear-armed Iran. Whether this three-stage framework will be enough to bridge the divide between Washington and Tehran remains unclear, but the proposal serves as a clear indication that both sides are feeling the pressure to find a way out of the current escalation cycle.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.