Qatar proposes Iran nuclear inspections in exchange for lifting Strait of Hormuz blockade

Qatar is mediating a proposal for Iran to allow UN nuclear inspectors into its bombed nuclear sites in exchange for the US lifting its naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and releasing frozen assets. The plan aims to de-escalate the US-Iran conflict. Under the proposal, Iran would permit International Atomic Energy Agency visits based on a September 2025 agreement, without committing to remove its highly enriched uranium stockpile. The US would release part of $8bn in frozen assets, and Iran would reopen the strait on the second day via an Oman-negotiated route. Trump is still considering further strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, though threats are less credible after Vice President Vance linked the war to Republican midterm losses. Iran has additional preconditions, including ending the Lebanon war and US withdrawal from its coastline, while Tehran distrusts IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.