Iran compresses Strait of Hormuz reopening plan to two days

Iran announced on Monday that it will reopen the Strait of Hormuz within two days, a schedule that compresses a previously proposed one-week timeline. The move is designed to restart nuclear negotiations with the United States, according to the Iranian government.

The announcement comes as the region braces for potential renewed hostilities. Iranian foreign minister Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran expects the United States to choose diplomacy over other paths. He noted that the accelerated plan remains the basis for talks with Washington through mediators, describing the move as evidence of Iran's good faith.

Under the new framework, ships transiting the reopened strait must follow a route agreed upon by Iran and Oman. These vessels will also travel under Iranian supervision. Baghaei did not indicate that Tehran had changed its core demands or that Washington had accepted the proposal.

Iran had previously tied the reopening to the fulfillment of seven conditions, including the lifting of a blockade on Iranian ports. Separately, Iranian officials have stated that the United States must lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales and accept a ceasefire that includes Lebanon.

President Donald Trump has alternated between seeking diplomatic solutions and threatening heavy bombardment of Iran in recent public comments. The shifting tone from Washington adds uncertainty to the region's energy markets, where the strait is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.

China is moving to increase its diplomatic footprint in the area. Beijing stated on Monday that it will send a special envoy to Iran, Oman, and Saudi Arabia in early to mid-November. The mission aims to ease tensions and promote regional stability.

Chinese President Xi Jinping told Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said on Monday that the Gulf should not become a stage for great power rivalry. This diplomatic push aligns with China's goal of securing a significant portion of its oil imports from the region.

Elsewhere in the Middle East, the United Nations reported that more than 300,000 Yemenis have fled fighting. The International Organization for Migration said displaced people are struggling to find shelter and basic necessities. In Gaza, two men died in Israeli airstrikes on Monday, bringing the total death toll since the October 2025 ceasefire to more than 74,500.