Iran has indicated it is ready to allow ships to pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz even if talks over its nuclear programme are not immediately addressed, according to regional officials familiar with the proposal.

The move comes amid rising tensions in the strategic waterway, a vital route for global oil and gas shipments. Iran recently restricted access to the strait, while the United States maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, escalating the standoff and disrupting maritime trade.

Sources said Tehran communicated the proposal to Washington through Pakistan. As part of the offer, Iran is requesting that the US remove its maritime blockade, while suggesting that discussions about its nuclear activities could be postponed to a later stage.

The proposal is unlikely to be welcomed by Donald Trump, who has repeatedly insisted that any agreement involving the reopening of the waterway must also resolve concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. In a recent interview, the US president maintained that Washington holds the advantage and said Iran must make the first move if it wants negotiations.

The disruption in the strait has had global economic consequences. Oil and fuel prices have risen sharply, putting pressure on governments and energy markets, especially in Gulf countries that depend heavily on the route for exports.

Beyond energy supplies, the situation has also driven up the cost of fertiliser, food, and other essential goods, raising fears of wider economic strain if the impasse continues.

Under Iran’s proposal, maritime movement would resume first, while broader diplomatic and nuclear discussions would be addressed at a later time.