US, Iran inch closer to deal to end the war: What to know | US-Israel war on Iran News
President Trump Signals Progress in U.S.-Iran Negotiations
President Donald Trump announced that a potential agreement between the United States and Iran is “largely negotiated,” raising hopes for a resolution to ongoing tensions in the region. The announcement follows a series of diplomatic efforts involving multiple countries, aimed at addressing the conflict.
The proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) reportedly includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor for crude oil and natural gas, alongside discussions aimed at formally concluding hostilities between the U.S. and Israel against Iran.
Despite Trump’s optimistic statements, Iranian officials have indicated significant disagreements remain. Key contentious issues include the status of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and the activities of Iran-aligned groups in Lebanon.
On Saturday, Trump posted on his social media platform Truth Social that final details of the agreement would soon be announced. He referred to the negotiations involving several nations in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain.
The president described the initiative as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE” and suggested that the agreement would allow for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has predominantly remained closed to shipping since the onset of hostilities on February 28.
Sources indicated to Reuters that the framework would progress in stages, beginning with a formal end to the war and addressing issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, followed by a 30-day window for further negotiations toward lasting peace.
Additionally, The New York Times reported that the draft agreement could involve an Iranian commitment to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with specific methods of transfer to be determined in later negotiations.
Iranian officials confirmed that talks are underway, acknowledging progress while contesting some of Trump’s claims. Reports from Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that the MoU would include a plan to end the conflict on all fronts, with the U.S. potentially waiving certain sanctions on Iranian oil during negotiations.
Iran has yet to agree to any stipulations concerning its nuclear program, indicating that the proposed timeline allocates 30 days for discussions regarding the Strait of Hormuz and 60 days for nuclear talks. Iranian state-affiliated media suggested that the agreement would grant Iran management authority over the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting Trump’s assertion regarding navigation rights.
In discussing the latest proposal, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei referred to it as a “framework agreement” that would establish broad principles before specific details are negotiated over the suggested 30 to 60-day period. He emphasized Tehran’s immediate priority is to halt the conflict and navigate future interactions with the U.S.
Among the central sticking points in the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies were transported prior to the conflict. Iran asserts its sovereignty over the waterway and has suggested levying tolls, while the U.S. demands unhindered navigation.
The discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program remain another major point of contention. The U.S. and Israel continue to pressure Iran to cease uranium enrichment entirely, citing concerns over potential weapons development. In contrast, Iran maintains that its nuclear pursuits are exclusively for civilian purposes and has expressed willingness to engage within the framework of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).
Experts have voiced caution about the prospects for a finalized agreement. Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute, underscored that while the MoU does not require major concessions from either side, it indicates a willingness to move towards a broader agreement. He noted, “The truth assessment of who blinked first will not come until we see what the final outcome is.”
As discussions continue, the role of Israel remains a focal point. Analysts indicate that Israel’s stance and potential willingness to support an agreement will be critical in achieving a resolution.
