Iran Proposes Step-by-Step Agreement Starting with Lifting Blockade...U.S. Blockade Breached (Comprehensive)

Araghchi Holds Talks with Putin... Russia May Step In as Mediator

"Trump Remains Skeptical of Proposal"... Rubio Voices Opposition

Reuters Yonhap News

As Iran has proposed a plan to end the war that includes lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and holding talks on its nuclear program after a ceasefire agreement, the Donald Trump Administration is facing a difficult dilemma. President Trump has set Iran's abandonment of its nuclear program as an essential condition for ending the war, making it unlikely that he will accept Iran's proposal. However, concerns are being raised that the longer the situation drags on, the weaker U.S. pressure on Iran could become, especially since there have already been cases of Iranian oil tankers breaking through the U.S. maritime blockade.

Iran Proposes Three-Phase Agreement to U.S.; Holds Talks with Putin

TASS Yonhap News Agency

CNN, citing sources, reported on the 27th (local time) that "Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Pakistan the previous day and delivered a three-phase plan to end the war." According to the report, "Phase 1 involves the cessation of attacks by the U.S. and Israel; Phase 2 involves both countries reaching an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire; and Phase 3 involves negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and its support for proxy forces." In short, the idea is to lay down arms and open the strait first, and then discuss the nuclear issue last.

On the same day, Minister Araghchi also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that Iran was reconsidering negotiations with the U.S. During the meeting with President Putin in St. Petersburg, Araghchi said, "Iran is reconsidering diplomatic solutions to end the war," adding, "We will make appropriate decisions on the current diplomatic process after considering various factors."

President Putin suggested he was willing to mediate. He emphasized, "I will do everything possible to ensure peace is established in the Middle East as soon as possible," and added, "Like Iran, Russia also intends to continue its strategic relationship with both countries." Yuri Ushakov, Russian Presidential Aide on Foreign Policy, who was present at the talks, also stated, "There is a possibility that we will communicate our thoughts abroad and to our close partners."

Trump Hesitates... Rubio Opposes: "Nuclear Race Must Be Prevented"

AP Yonhap News

The Trump Administration appears to be deliberating over Iran's proposal. Citing U.S. officials, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that "President Trump discussed Iran's proposal with his aides this morning and did not immediately reject it." However, the report added, "He questioned whether Iran is sincerely engaging in negotiations and expressed some skepticism over whether Iran is willing to accept abandoning its nuclear program."

White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt also acknowledged during a press briefing that discussions on Iran's proposal had taken place, but emphasized, "The President's red line regarding Iran is set very clearly," and added, "You will soon hear from the President himself on this topic," declining to elaborate further.

Within the Trump Administration, there are opinions that President Trump should not defer his core condition of Iran's abandonment of its nuclear program, as he has made this a fundamental requirement since the early stages of the war. On the same day, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in an interview with Fox News, "Iran is trying to buy time. Iranians are very skilled and experienced negotiators," and stressed, "We must make absolutely sure that Iran cannot race toward nuclear weapons."

Secretary Rubio also took a hardline stance on Iran's attempts to maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz. He strongly criticized Iran's approach, stating, "When Iran talks about opening the strait, they mean it should only be allowed with permission through negotiation, otherwise they threaten attacks and demand tolls. That is not real openness of the strait."

Iranian Oil Tankers Break U.S. Blockade for the First Time...Concerns Over Weakening Negotiating Power

Reuters Yonhap News

However, as there have been cases of Iranian oil tankers breaking through the U.S. blockade, some argue that prolonging the situation may not actually benefit the U.S. The longer it drags on, the more likely the U.S. maritime blockade will become less effective.

On this day, satellite analysis site TankerTrackers.com reported that on the 24th, two Iranian oil tankers carrying about 4 million barrels of crude oil bound for Asia passed through the Strait of Hormuz. These tankers reportedly broke through the U.S. coastal blockade and exited into the Indian Ocean. Contrary to U.S. military claims that the blockade is completely effective, it has now been confirmed that the blockade was breached.

The Iranian dissident media outlet Iran International reported, "Iran's smuggling-specialized tanker fleet, known as the 'Shadow Fleet,' is bypassing the U.S. blockade by turning off tracking devices, disguising vessel locations, conducting ship-to-ship transfers, and falsifying nationalities and destinations." The outlet pointed out, "The longer the blockade continues, the less able the U.S. will be to completely block Iran's oil trade, and even if the U.S. considers the blockade a success, the Iranian regime will be able to survive sufficiently."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.