CAIRO (AP) — The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a deal aimed at ending the ongoing war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Monday that negotiations are progressing, while cautioning that fighting could resume if an agreement is not reached. The timeline and specifics of the deal remain uncertain, according to two regional officials and a U.S. official who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
An Iranian delegation, led by parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, visited Qatar on Monday for talks, although the agenda was not disclosed. Qalibaf previously engaged in discussions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Pakistan last month.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, indicated that while significant progress has been made on many issues, further negotiations are necessary. He emphasized that it is premature to claim that an agreement is imminent.
The proposed deal includes provisions to end the war, which has escalated since the U.S. and Israel initiated attacks that resulted in the deaths of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other officials. Iran insists that any agreement must address the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, where the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group has been engaged in conflict with Israel.
A ceasefire has been in effect since April 7, despite sporadic attacks in the region. A more permanent truce would facilitate the resumption of global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which is crucial for transporting approximately 20% of the world’s oil, and would enable the rebuilding of regional infrastructure.
The draft agreement reportedly includes an end to hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, along with a commitment from Iran to refrain from interfering in the domestic matters of other countries. The U.S. seeks to ensure that Israel can respond to perceived threats, while Iran opposes this stipulation.
The deal also aims to gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, which has hindered Iran’s oil exports. The U.S. may permit Iran to sell oil under certain sanctions waivers, with negotiations for sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds expected to occur over a 60-day period.
Additionally, Iran is expected to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, although the specifics of this process will be determined in future discussions. Iran currently possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, which is close to weapons-grade levels.
Despite claims of progress, several critical issues remain unresolved, including the extent of Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities and the status of its missile program, which is viewed as a significant threat by Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is prepared to assure the international community of its peaceful intentions regarding its nuclear program.