The United States and Iran have indicated progress in negotiations aimed at resolving their ongoing conflict, although their accounts of the proposed agreement differ. US President Donald Trump stated on May 25, 2026, that a deal to end hostilities was largely negotiated and awaited finalization. In contrast, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported on the details of the potential agreement, highlighting discrepancies in the terms.
According to Axios, a US official indicated that the deal would extend a ceasefire for 60 days, during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened without tolls, contingent on Iran removing mines it has placed in the waterway. In exchange, the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports.
The New York Times reported that three senior Iranian officials confirmed Tehran's agreement to a memorandum of understanding to halt fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned that the agreement could lead to a completely open Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing its status as an international waterway.
However, Tasnim reported that the Strait would not fully return to its pre-war status, suggesting that the number of ships allowed to pass would be restored to pre-war levels within 30 days. Iran has insisted that the US blockade must end for any changes in the strait to occur, while the US argues that the quicker Iran removes mines, the sooner the blockade will be lifted.
Iran is seeking the immediate unfreezing of funds and a permanent lifting of sanctions, but the US has indicated that these measures would only be granted after Iran makes specific concessions. The proposed agreement includes temporary sanctions waivers allowing Iran to sell oil freely, linked to Iran's actions regarding the Strait of Hormuz and maritime traffic.
The draft deal reportedly includes commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, although Iranian media suggest Tehran has not yet accepted terms related to its nuclear program. A potential deal would involve a 60-day negotiation window concerning Iran’s nuclear activities.
Both US and Iranian reports indicate that a cessation of hostilities would encompass a halt to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei emphasized Tehran's priority to end hostilities across all fronts.
Tensions in the region have escalated following US and Israeli strikes against Iran, leading to retaliatory actions by Tehran. A ceasefire was established on April 8, 2026, through Pakistani mediation and has since been extended. Direct talks between Washington and Tehran occurred in Islamabad on April 11-12, but no agreement has been reached. Trump's comments followed a visit by Pakistani army chief Asim Munir to Tehran, part of ongoing mediation efforts.
