Iran says US deal near, Hormuz reopening on table

Iran has said that a deal with the United States to end ongoing hostilities is close, and could include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most

Iran has said that a deal with the United States to end ongoing hostilities is close, and could include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil and gas shipping routes.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the proposed agreement also includes the lifting of a US blockade on Iranian shipping. He added that talks on Iran’s nuclear programme would follow in a later phase.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which around 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments pass, was effectively disrupted during earlier escalation in the conflict. Reopening the waterway is seen as a key element of the emerging deal.

US officials have confirmed parts of the framework, saying any economic relief for Iran would depend on Tehran fulfilling its commitments. They stressed that sanctions relief and asset unfreezing would be gradual and performance-based, not immediate.

According to officials, the agreement would begin with confidence-building steps, including reopening maritime routes and easing shipping restrictions. This would be followed by a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and enriched uranium stockpiles.

Iran has reportedly agreed in principle to future discussions on reducing uranium enrichment levels, with proposals that excess material could be removed or destroyed under verification mechanisms still being developed.

However, differences remain between public statements issued by Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials have dismissed some leaked versions of the deal as inaccurate, saying final approval is still pending.

Iranian state media reported that the agreement also includes broader economic reintegration steps, including phased lifting of sanctions and limited access to frozen assets based on compliance.

US officials emphasized that no upfront financial payments will be made to Iran. Instead, economic benefits would be released gradually as obligations are met and verified.

The deal also calls for Iran to halt support for regional proxy groups, a reference to armed organisations such as Hezbollah and other allied factions across the Middle East.

Despite ongoing tensions and occasional exchanges of fire in recent weeks, mediators including Pakistan and Qatar have reportedly helped push negotiations forward.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that a memorandum of understanding has been reached and is awaiting final approval.

Officials from both sides say optimism is growing, although final signatures and implementation details are still pending.

Iran has said that if approved, the agreement could be signed in the coming days, marking a potential turning point in US-Iran relations and regional maritime stability.