Iran Backs Two-Week De-escalation, Strait Access Plan

Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad on October 13, 2024. - Iran's top diplomat vowed upon his arrival in the Iraqi capital there would be "no red lines" for the country in defending its people and interests, ahead of Israel's expected retaliation for Iran's recent missile attack. (Photo by Murtaja LATEEF / AFP)

TEHRAN, April 7, 2026 — Iran has signalled its willingness to halt military operations if attacks against it are suspended, in a potential step toward de-escalation amid rising regional tensions.

In a statement, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said Tehran would cease its defensive operations if strikes against Iran are halted.

The statement also indicated that Iran would allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for a period of two weeks, subject to coordination with its armed forces and technical considerations.

Araghchi said the move followed diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir, as well as ongoing exchanges with the United States over competing proposals for negotiations.

He added that Iran had taken note of Washington’s willingness to engage based on a framework that includes Tehran’s own proposals.

The conditional offer comes after U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced a temporary suspension of planned military action, raising prospects for a broader ceasefire.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, remains central to the negotiations, with any reopening likely to have significant implications for global energy markets.

Analysts say the parallel signals from Washington and Tehran could mark the beginning of a fragile diplomatic window, though key details of any agreement remain unresolved.