Iran denies Strait of Hormuz proposal to Pakistan mediators

Iran has rejected reports that it submitted a new proposal to Pakistani intermediaries offering to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of the United States naval blockade, ANI News reported on October 25, 2026.

Tehran Denies Mediated Deal Offered Through Pakistan

An IRGC-affiliated Tasnim news agency source dismissed reports originating from a Saudi Arabian outlet as a lie and fabrication, according to state broadcaster Press TV. The initial reports claimed Tehran had proposed opening the strategic waterway if Washington ended its naval restrictions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously stated on October 18, 2026, that an earlier offer to reopen the strait within seven days remained open for review. Major General Ali Abdollahi, chief of the general staff of Iran’s armed forces, asserted that Iranian military forces had rendered the US Navy ineffective in the Persian Gulf. The US president must only dream of their military and army entering the Persian Gulf again, Abdollahi told Press TV, adding that authorities would under no circumstances allow US military vessels to enter the waterway.

Washington Weighs Military Threats and Diplomatic Demands

United States President Donald Trump stated that a diplomatic agreement with Iran remains possible while refusing to rule out further military action during a campaign rally in Florida. Trump insisted that any final accord must permanently prevent Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. He warned that Washington might launch another little Epic Fury if Iranian leadership fails to reach a diplomatic settlement, questioning whether Iranian officials were willing to negotiate seriously. Meanwhile, the IRGC Navy reported that two supertankers carrying over 4.5 million barrels of crude oil struck naval mines while traveling along an unauthorized southern route through the Strait of Hormuz, stating that regional vessel security is regulated entirely by Iranian regulations.

Escalating Enforcement Across the Strategic Waterway

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an adviser to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, told Tasnim news agency that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and announced that authorities intend to destroy rocky passages used by violators operating small smuggling boats. A source close to the IRGC Navy reported to WANA News Agency that non-compliant vessel passage has completely stopped following the destruction of navigation assistance systems and recent tanker strikes. In a separate assessment reported by Anadolu Ajansi, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei stated that Iran set seven specific conditions for reopening the waterway through intermediaries, adding that Tehran is no longer interested in political good faith agreements and would target regional US assets if conflict resumes.

Diplomatic Uncertainty Follows Collapsed Memorandums

The current diplomatic friction follows the collapse of a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026 to pave the way for a final peace deal between Washington and Tehran, which dissolved amid disagreements over regional navigation rights. Major General Abdollahi publicly questioned President Trump’s assertions that Iranian nuclear facilities had been completely destroyed, asking why Washington continues expressing concern over a program it claims to have eliminated. With military warnings continuing alongside strict maritime enforcement by the IRGC, both governments maintain opposing positions on access to the Persian Gulf and the terms required to restore transit through the critical energy corridor.

More on this story: Iran claims it will close transit routes in Strait of Hormuz deemed illegal · Iran Vows to Target US-Backed Oil Shuttle System in Strait of Hormuz