Trump says Iran peace framework largely negotiated, Strait of Hormuz reopening eyed

WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD — U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington and Iran have “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the three-month conflict and reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The proposed agreement, reportedly brokered by Pakistan, could pave the way for restoring commercial navigation through the waterway, whose closure since February has intensified a global energy crisis following military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

Trump announced on Truth Social that negotiations were nearing completion, saying final details of the agreement were still under discussion and would be announced soon. He did not disclose the full terms of the memorandum.

Reports from U.S. and Iranian media indicated that the framework seeks to end months of fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and ease restrictions on Iranian shipping. Discussions regarding Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium are reportedly expected to continue within 30 to 60 days.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to India, said additional developments could emerge as early as Sunday. A senior Iranian source told Reuters that if Iran’s Supreme National Security Council approves the draft memorandum, it would be forwarded to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei for final approval.

Despite signs of progress, obstacles remain. Iranian outlet Tasnim reported that disagreements persist over certain provisions and warned that a final agreement would be unlikely if Washington continued to impose obstacles during negotiations.

Markets have closely monitored the talks as the conflict continues to weigh heavily on global energy supplies. Brent crude prices remain sharply elevated, rising about 43 percent since the outbreak of hostilities in February. Industry leaders have cautioned that even with an immediate ceasefire, full shipping capacity through the Strait of Hormuz may not be restored until 2027.

According to reports from U.S. outlet Axios, the draft agreement could include the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports and limited sanctions relief for Iranian oil exports. The framework also reportedly contains Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons.

Trump has repeatedly said the U.S. military campaign was intended to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, continues to deny seeking nuclear arms and insists its uranium enrichment program is intended for civilian energy purposes.

Iranian media also reported that the draft proposes mutual non-aggression commitments. Under the reported terms, the U.S. and its allies would refrain from attacking Iran or allied groups, while Iran would pledge not to launch preemptive attacks.

Regional security concerns remain a complicating factor. Israeli politician Benny Gantz warned against linking any Iran agreement to a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli forces continue operations against the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement.

Israeli media, citing unnamed officials, reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Trump that Israel would retain operational freedom against perceived threats, including in Lebanon. Trump later described his conversation with Netanyahu as having gone “very well.”

Sources familiar with the talks said the proposed framework could unfold in three phases: formally ending the war, resolving navigation issues in the Strait of Hormuz, and opening a 30-day negotiation window for a broader and more comprehensive agreement.

Pakistani sources said the Strait could reopen immediately after Washington lifts its blockade on Iranian shipping. Rubio noted that the arrangement could lead to fully open maritime passage without tolls.

Iranian officials, however, stressed that maritime normalization would depend on the fulfillment of U.S. commitments. Tasnim also reported that Tehran seeks the release of frozen Iranian assets during the first phase of any deal.

Trump, whose approval ratings have faced pressure amid rising domestic energy prices, remained in Washington over the weekend and cited the Iran crisis among the reasons for postponing personal commitments. Reports said he held discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan, many of whom reportedly encouraged support for the emerging framework.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said negotiations had moved toward reducing disputes but acknowledged that unresolved issues remain, particularly regarding the threat of renewed U.S. military action and the conflict in Lebanon.

Iran’s lead negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Iranian armed forces had rebuilt their capabilities during the ceasefire and cautioned that any resumption of war would bring consequences “more forceful and bitter” than those seen at the beginning of the conflict.