Iran Proposes Regulated Hormuz Transit; Pakistan Emerges as Mediator Amid Ongoing U.S. Tensions

Tehran has signaled a shift in its maritime strategy, with National Security and Foreign Policy Committee Chair Ebrahim Azizi announcing plans for a "professional mechanism" to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The plan involves designated routes and the collection of fees from commercial vessels cooperating with Iran. President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that navigation conditions will return to normal once regional "insecurity" is resolved, framing the current disruptions as a conditional response to the conflict rather than a permanent closure. On the diplomatic front, Pakistan has emerged as a key back-channel mediator. Following a visit by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s interior minister arrived in Tehran to facilitate communication between the U.S. and Iran. These efforts come as direct talks remain frozen; President Trump recently described an Iranian peace proposal as "unacceptable," while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed doubt regarding the seriousness of U.S. intentions due to contradictory messaging from Washington. Military tensions remain high as U.S. and NATO intelligence reports suggest Iran retains most of its missile capabilities and underground facilities. While the Trump administration continues to project military strength, Iran is taking steps to stabilize its domestic economy, including the scheduled reopening of its stock market on Tuesday. Simultaneously, the conflict continues to manifest through proxy theaters, with Israeli forces conducting extensive airstrikes in southern Lebanon despite ongoing truce efforts.