IRIA News

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U.S. President Donald Trump said a new agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated,” raising hopes that months of conflict in the Middle East could move toward a broader ceasefire and political settlement.

The proposed agreement, still under discussion, is expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing tensions between Washington and Tehran, and launching negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.

Trump also announced that he would be holding calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye, Bahrain, and Pakistan. He confirmed a separate call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which he described as “very good.”

“Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Focus on Strait of Hormuz

A major focus of the negotiations is the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

The waterway has remained heavily disrupted since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran in February. Iran later tightened control around the strait, while the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

🚨 "An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed…" – President Donald J. Trump pic.twitter.com/Z49bOkkUoh

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 23, 2026

Trump said the agreement would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal shipping activity. However, Iranian media quickly disputed that interpretation.

Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that Tehran would still maintain management authority over the strait, calling Trump’s claims “inconsistent with reality.”

Iran has repeatedly insisted that any future arrangement must recognize its security role in the Gulf while also ending U.S. economic pressure and military threats.

Possible Framework Emerging

According to multiple reports, the proposed framework could unfold in several stages. The first stage would formally end the war and stabilize the ceasefire. The second would address shipping and security issues in the Strait of Hormuz. The third would open a 30-day negotiation window for a broader political and nuclear agreement, with the possibility of extending talks further.

Reports indicate the draft agreement may include:

• Reopening the Strait of Hormuz without tolls during a temporary ceasefire period
• Limited sanctions relief for Iranian oil exports
• Easing of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports
• Negotiations on Iran’s uranium enrichment activities
• Discussions on the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile
• Commitments by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons
  

Iran has continued to deny that it seeks nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear activities are for civilian purposes. At the same time, Tehran has resisted demands for the full dismantling of its nuclear program.

Pakistan Playing Key Mediation Role

Pakistan has emerged as a key intermediary between Iran and the United States during the recent negotiations. Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, traveled to Tehran for meetings with senior Iranian officials, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.

Pakistan later described the talks as “encouraging,” with officials saying progress had been made toward a comprehensive framework to end the conflict. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts and said Islamabad hoped to host another round of talks soon.

The negotiations have also received support from Gulf countries concerned about regional instability and disruptions to global oil markets.

Iran Signals Cautious Optimism

Iranian officials have indicated that discussions are moving forward, but they also warned that major disagreements remain unresolved.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said positions between Washington and Tehran had become closer in recent days, though “issues still need to be discussed through mediators.”

Iran continues to demand:
– An end to the U.S. naval blockade
– Sanctions relief on oil exports
– Guarantees against future U.S. attacks
– Recognition of Iranian oversight in the Strait of Hormuz

Baghaei also said Tehran remains focused on broader regional security concerns, including fighting in Lebanon involving Hezbollah and Israeli forces. Meanwhile, Iranian officials warned that Tehran had rebuilt military capabilities during the ceasefire period and could respond forcefully if fighting resumes.

Israel and US Critics Express Concerns

While regional mediators have welcomed the negotiations, the emerging deal has already drawn criticism from some Israeli and American political figures.

Reports from Israeli media suggested officials in Jerusalem are concerned the proposed framework may not sufficiently limit Iran’s nuclear activities or missile capabilities.

Some U.S. Republican lawmakers have also reportedly criticized the draft terms, arguing that Iran could retain too much strategic leverage under the arrangement.

One major issue remains the future of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile. While reports suggest Tehran could eventually surrender or reduce the stockpile, details appear unresolved and may be pushed into later rounds of talks.

The draft framework also reportedly does not explicitly address Iran’s regional proxy networks or ballistic missile program, both long-standing demands from Israel and parts of the U.S. security establishment.

Energy Markets Watching Closely

Global energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Strait of Hormuz. The strait handles a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for economies worldwide.

Oil prices surged earlier in the conflict as fears grew over prolonged shipping disruptions. Markets later stabilized somewhat after Trump signaled he had paused plans for additional strikes on Iran following pressure from Gulf allies.

Military tensions have remained lower since the ceasefire took effect in April, although the United States continues enforcing restrictions around Iranian ports while Iran maintains pressure in the Gulf.

Despite growing momentum, major obstacles remain before a final agreement can be reached. Key unresolved questions include:

• The future of Iran’s uranium enrichment program
• The status of sanctions relief
• Long-term security arrangements in the Gulf
• U.S. military presence in the region
• Control and monitoring mechanisms in the Strait of Hormuz

Trump has continued to present the negotiations as a major diplomatic breakthrough, while Iran has taken a more cautious public stance.

Both sides appear eager to avoid a return to full-scale conflict, but officials involved in the talks acknowledge that the next several days could determine whether the negotiations succeed or collapse.