Iran says breakthrough US deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz

International

IS PEACE finally taking shape between the United States (US) and Iran?

Officials on both sides say a deal to end fighting is close, with provisions that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease long-standing restrictions on Iranian shipping.

In a report by BBC, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on state television that negotiations over a Memorandum of Understanding are nearing completion. He said the draft includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting what Tehran describes as a US blockade on Iranian shipping while nuclear talks would take place in a later phase.

US officials confirmed key elements of the framework but said any economic relief for Iran would depend on verified compliance with its commitments.

In a briefing, US officials said the agreement would begin with immediate reciprocal steps including reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting US restrictions on Iranian maritime activity. This would be followed by a 60 day negotiation period focused on Iran’s enriched uranium, which they described as essential for nuclear weapons development. They added that the plan envisions removing that material from Iran, though details are still being finalised.

Washington also said no upfront financial transfers would be made, countering earlier Iranian media reports that suggested frozen assets could be released early. Instead sanctions relief and asset unfreezing would be phased in gradually and tied to verified compliance.

A key part of the draft requires Iran to stop supporting regional proxy groups including Hezbollah and others across the Middle East. US officials said the agreement is based on verification rather than trust, with benefits only delivered once implementation is confirmed.

The diplomatic push follows months of escalation that began on 28 February with US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran responded with attacks on Israel and US aligned Gulf states and the Strait of Hormuz through which about a fifth of global oil and gas flows was effectively closed during the conflict. Despite a ceasefire in April intermittent strikes have continued including exchanges this week.

The status of the Strait remains central to the talks. Araghchi said its operation would change under the deal and it would “no longer be the same as before”. Iran had previously imposed transit fees after restricting passage while the US insists shipping must remain free.

US President Donald Trump said that he cancelled “scheduled attacks” after negotiators reached what he called a “great settlement” suggesting the agreement could be signed soon. Iranian officials rejected some reported details including a proposed 14-point plan that Trump dismissed as inaccurate.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the MOU had been agreed and was awaiting finalisation though Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has yet to reach full internal consensus. Araghchi said there are “supporters and opponents” of the deal within the body adding that a collective decision has not been reached.

He said approval could come quickly if internal agreement is reached, adding that the process is still awaiting final decision and that if approved the agreement would be signed remotely.

Mediators including Qatar have also been involved in facilitating talks. While optimism has grown, officials on all sides acknowledge that similar negotiations have previously come close to success before falling apart at later stages.

Araghchi said final approval could come soon, adding that the process could move forward within days and expressing optimism about the timeline if internal agreement is reached.(MyTVCebu)