This move came as Iran announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open to international shipping, except for vessels from countries currently engaged in hostilities with Tehran.

Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump said the US has been holding talks with Iran, but Tehran has denied that any formal negotiations have taken place. Trump also said Iran had given the US a “very big gift”, namely the easing of the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a gateway through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply flows.

Trump's 15-point peace plan, delivered via Pakistan, emphasizes the key condition that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. Israel’s Channel 12 television reported that the proposal includes a one-month ceasefire, during which both sides will discuss Iran's handover of enriched uranium and a halt to further nuclear enrichment activities. In return, the US might lift all sanctions and support Iran's development of civilian nuclear power at its Bushehr plant.