The White House on Monday said it is reviewing a new proposal from Iran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, as efforts to end the ongoing Middle East conflict remain deadlocked.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the proposal is under consideration after Tehran reportedly conveyed its position to Washington through Pakistan, outlining its conditions on nuclear issues and maritime access.

The development comes two months after joint US and Israeli military operations against Iran disrupted global markets and contributed to the continued closure of the strategic waterway.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposal as more substantial than anticipated but expressed doubts about Tehran’s intentions, stressing that any agreement must prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear programme.

Negotiations between both sides have yet to produce a breakthrough since a ceasefire was established, with US President Donald Trump meeting security advisers on Monday to assess the latest developments.

Iran, however, blamed Washington for the stalled talks. Speaking during a visit to Russia, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the United States of making excessive demands that undermined earlier progress in negotiations.

Araghchi’s visit to Saint Petersburg followed diplomatic engagements in Oman and Pakistan, both involved in mediation efforts.

A planned visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner was cancelled, with Trump stating that Iran could initiate contact if it was serious about dialogue.

Tehran has insisted it would require assurances against further military action by the United States and Israel before offering any guarantees on security in the Gulf region.

Despite the ceasefire, economic conditions in Iran have worsened significantly. Residents report widespread hardship following disruptions to oil and gas exports caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has driven up global energy prices.

The United States has responded with restrictions on Iranian ports, further intensifying pressure on Tehran. Meanwhile, domestic concerns are mounting in the US, where rising fuel costs and public opposition to the conflict are becoming political issues ahead of upcoming elections.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have signalled they do not intend to ease control over the strait. Lawmakers are also considering legislation that would formalise military oversight of the waterway and introduce transit charges, a move rejected by international authorities and Washington.

Separately, violence has continued in Lebanon despite a truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. Lebanese health officials reported that Israeli strikes in the south killed four people and injured dozens, including children.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem dismissed the prospect of direct negotiations with Israel, while Israeli officials maintained that military action would continue to counter threats from the group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s capabilities remain a concern, with Defence Minister Israel Katz warning of further consequences. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir indicated that prolonged conflict across multiple fronts remains likely.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said his administration is seeking to end hostilities with Israel, even as tensions on the ground continue to escalate.