New Delhi, May 26 -- The United States and Iran are in active discussions over a plan that would see the Strait of Hormuz reopened to international shipping approximately 30 days after the two countries reach a formal agreement to end hostilities, according to a report by Japan's Nikkei newspaper citing a Middle East diplomatic official - even as fresh US military strikes in southern Iran and Secretary of State Marco Rubio's cautious assessment tempered hopes of an imminent breakthrough.

According to the Nikkei report, Iran would use a 30-day window following any agreement to clear mines from the strait, after which vessels from all countries would be able to navigate freely and safely through the waterway. Under the reported terms, Iran...