Leaked Iran-US Draft Agreement: Hormuz Strait to Open Gradually

Iran’s state television reported that it has obtained an initial draft framework agreement between Iran and the United States (US) regarding efforts to resolve the conflict between the two nations. According to the report, the draft, described as provisional, includes key points such as plans to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month and the partial withdrawal of US military forces from the region around Iran. Under the framework, Iran is said to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to normal pre-war conditions within a month. In return, the US is reportedly set to lift its naval blockade on Iran and cease interference with vessels entering or leaving the Islamic Republic’s waters. ‘The United States has committed to lifting Iran’s naval blockade and halting interference with vessels transiting to or from the Islamic Republic of Iran,’ according to Iran’s state television, cited by AFP on Thursday (28 May). Since 13 April 2026, the US has imposed a naval blockade on several Iranian ports and coastal areas amid escalating tensions between the two nations. Meanwhile, Iran retains control of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic global energy transit route. The draft states that Tehran will maintain authority over the strait’s shipping management, including vessel inspections and service fees for transiting ships. However, the commitment does not apply to military vessels. The report also emphasises that Tehran has not agreed to fully open the Strait of Hormuz unconditionally. Regarding US military presence in the region, the draft states Washington has made commitments to the Islamic Republic of Iran on this matter. However, the document does not specify whether troop withdrawals apply only to personnel deployed before and during the conflict, or also include permanent US military bases in the Gulf region. Iran’s state television reported that after an initial framework agreement is reached, Tehran and Washington will enter a 60-day negotiation phase to discuss further details. ‘If negotiations reach a final agreement within the 60-day period, the deal is expected to be approved via a binding UN Security Council resolution,’ the report stated. However, Iran’s state television stressed that the circulating draft is not final and may change as negotiations progress between the two countries. New Trump-Iran agreement plans have sparked anxiety in Israel, with analysts viewing the move as a strategic threat to Benjamin Netanyahu. Tensions escalated after US military struck an Iranian military site in Bandar Abbas and shot down four drones in the Strait of Hormuz during a ceasefire period. The statement was made by Mojtaba on Tuesday (26 May) in a message marking the Hajj pilgrimage’s peak, according to Iran’s state news agency IRNA. The IRGC affirmed its legitimate right to retaliate against any ceasefire violations by the US military. Iran alone makes the US superpower appear amateurish. Rubio’s statement came after Trump said he had instructed US negotiators not to rush the agreement.