Pakistan offers Hormuz deal for Iran sanctions relief

Pakistan has reportedly proposed a diplomatic deal to the United States, offering to help reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in exchange for partial sanctions relief on Iran. A Pakistani official has now told Al Arabiya that there is "cautious optimism" and that communications with Iran are ongoing, but Tehran's formal response to the proposal has not yet arrived. The proposal and subsequent diplomatic outreach represent a significant attempt to de-escalate tensions surrounding the critical maritime chokepoint.