Iran-US Deal to Open Hormuz Strait
The United States and Iran are reportedly close to an agreement, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz as before the conflict. The deal is said to have been reached due to Iran’s commitment to destroy its highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
US officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the agreement has not yet been signed and awaits final approval from US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.
The process is expected to take several days, with the method for dismantling Iran’s highly enriched uranium still under negotiation.
According to US officials quoted by the New York Times, the proposed agreement does not address Iran’s missile supply or a uranium enrichment moratorium. They stated these issues are expected to be tackled in further talks.
Fox News reported that Washington officials indicated the US could consider “significant concessions” on sanctions relief if Iran agrees to similar concessions regarding its highly enriched uranium supplies.
“Our plan is to address all their enriched material supplies,” said a Washington official.
The US government views Iran’s “serious concessions” as unprecedented in previous negotiations. Additionally, the NYT-quoted official rejected the idea of a “toll mechanism” for the Strait of Hormuz, stating such an arrangement is unacceptable and not proposed by either side.
Separately, CBS News reported that US officials see the emerging deal as stronger than the 2015 nuclear agreement under former President Barack Obama. As part of the new deal, the US will lift blockades on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports.
A Washington official also said the US Central Command (CENTCOM) and Gulf partners will coordinate to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. US Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump’s adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner are also involved in the talks.
Washington is seeking to involve all regional allies in the process. So far, the White House has not issued an official statement on the preliminary agreement, and Iranian authorities have not responded.
What does the agreement entail?
Axios reported that the potential US-Iran agreement would extend a 60-day ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran has closed since late February amid ongoing hostilities.
According to the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran will clear mines from the Strait and allow ships to pass without toll charges. In return, the US will lift blockades on Iranian ports and impose limited sanctions exemptions allowing Tehran to sell oil freely for 60 days.
A US official described the arrangement as “performance-based assistance”, stating economic relief would follow concrete actions and not be provided upfront. The draft also includes Iran’s commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons, negotiate a uranium enrichment suspension, and destroy its highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
Any broader sanctions relief or release of Iranian funds, per Axios, would be discussed during the ceasefire period but only implemented as part of a verified final agreement.
During the extended 60-day ceasefire, US forces in the region would remain in place and only be withdrawn if a final agreement is reached. The deal also appears linked to efforts to end the Israel-Hizbullah conflict in Lebanon.
US officials quoted by Axios said Israel would still be permitted to act if Hizbullah attempts to rearm or resume attacks. Several Arab and Muslim leaders, including from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and the UAE, support the diplomatic effort, with Pakistan playing a central mediation role.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his government does not make decisions without the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei’s approval, as reported by Press TV on Monday (25/5/2026) during indirect US-Iran talks mediated by Pakistan.
“No decision in the Islamic Republic of Iran will be made outside the framework of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and without coordination and approval from the Supreme Leader,” Pezeshkian said during a meeting with the head and managers of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
“When a decision is made in diplomacy, all institutions, platforms, and movements must support it to present a unified and coherent voice to the world from the Islamic Republic,” he added.
Pezeshkian said one of the main goals of Iran’s enemies during the conflict is to silence the truth. He referred to anti-Iran sentiment, which he claims openly hopes the US and Zionist regime in Israel will destroy and divide Iran.
“If we all move together under the guidance of the Supreme Leader and maintain national solidarity, enemies will never achieve their goals against our country,” he said.