US and Iran Reach Preliminary Deal on Hormuz Strait Opening, Will Iran Destroy Enriched Uranium?

US and Iran are reported to have reached a preliminary agreement paving the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the war. However, Tehran has stated there is no guarantee the deal will be signed in the near future.

New York Times (NYT) report cited by Anadolu Agency states the agreement includes Iran’s commitment to destroy its highly enriched uranium.

A US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the deal has not yet been signed and awaits final approval from US President Donald Trump and Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

The US official added the finalisation process could take several days, and the method for destroying Iran’s highly enriched uranium is still under negotiation.

According to the NYT-cited US official, the proposed deal does not address Iran’s missile supply or a uranium enrichment moratorium; these issues will be discussed in further talks.

Fox News reports that Washington officials indicate the US could consider ‘significant accommodations’ in the form of sanctions relief if Iran agrees to similar concessions on its highly enriched uranium stockpile.

‘Our plan is to address all their enriched material supplies,’ said the Washington official.

He stated Washington sees Iran showing ‘serious accommodations’ not previously seen in negotiations. The NYT-cited US official also dismissed the notion of a ‘toll fee’ mechanism in the Strait of Hormuz, saying the scheme is unacceptable and was never proposed by either side.

CBS News, citing Washington officials, reported the US government views the deal as stronger than the 2015 nuclear agreement under former President Barack Obama. In the latest draft, the US will lift the blockade on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports.

The Washington official said 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 said to be involved in the talks.

Washington is reportedly seeking to involve all regional allies in the process. However, there has been no official statement from the White House, and Iranian authorities have not yet responded.

Agreement Draft: Hormuz Reopened, Sanctions Relaxed

Axios reports the US-Iran draft agreement includes a 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has been closed by Tehran since the war erupted in late February.

Under the memorandum of understanding, Iran will clear mines in the Strait of Hormuz and allow ships to pass without toll charges. In return, the US will lift the blockade on Iranian ports and grant limited sanctions exemptions allowing Tehran to sell oil freely for 60 days.

A US official described the scheme as ‘performance-based aid,’ insisting economic assistance would be provided only after concrete steps are taken, not upfront. The draft also includes Iran’s commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons, negotiate a suspension of uranium enrichment, and destroy its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Axios also reported that broader sanctions relief or the release of frozen Iranian funds would only be discussed during the ceasefire period and implemented only if the final agreement is verified.

During the 60-day ceasefire extension, US forces in the region will remain in position and only be withdrawn if a final deal is reached. The agreement is also linked to efforts to end the Israel-Hizbullah conflict in Lebanon.

An Axios-cited US official 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, have supported the diplomatic efforts. Pakistan is said to be playing a central mediation role.

Iran Acknowledges Progress

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated his government will not make decisions without the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei’s approval. This was reported by Press TV on Monday, 25 May 2026, as Iran and the US conducted indirect 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 permission 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 single, coherent voice to the world from the Islamic Republic,’ he added.

Pezeshkian said one of the main goals of Iran’s enemies during the war is to silence the truth. He also mentioned anti-Iran sentiment, claiming the US and Zionist Israel aim to destroy and divide Iran.

‘If we all move together within the framework of the Supreme Leader’s guidelines and maintain national solidarity, the enemies will never achieve their goals against our country,’ he said.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that most issues discussed with the US have reached conclusions. However, he stressed there is no certainty the agreement will be signed soon.

‘We have indeed reached conclusions on most of the issues under discussion,’ Baghaei said at a weekly press conference in Tehran on Monday, 25 May local time.

‘But to say this means the signing of an agreement in the near future…’