Iran denies Strait of Hormuz reopening offer, casting doubt on diplomatic progress

Iran has denied reports that it offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days in exchange for the US easing military pressure, a claim that had briefly lowered oil prices. The denial, carried by Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency, directly contradicts earlier reports from Reuters and Japan's Kyodo News citing a senior Iranian official. Those reports suggested Tehran proposed the reopening if Washington reduced military pressure and lifted a blockade of Iranian ports. The conflicting accounts cast uncertainty over potential diplomatic progress. Iran has previously tied any reopening of Hormuz to conditions involving US military actions, sanctions, and port blockades, while US officials have expressed openness to talks but insist Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon.