Donald Trump has claimed that a peace agreement with Iran has been “largely negotiated”, raising hopes of an end to the conflict launched by the US and Israel in February.
Posting on his social media platform, Trump said only the “final aspects and details” of a proposed memorandum of understanding remain unresolved. He added that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz would reopen as part of the deal.
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation,” Trump wrote.
The statement followed reports that Pakistan and Iran had submitted a revised proposal to Washington aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
Analysts say any agreement reopening the Strait of Hormuz could ease global concerns over oil supply disruptions and shipping costs, given that nearly a fifth of the world’s crude oil trade passes through the narrow waterway.
According to regional officials cited by international media, the Pakistan-backed mediation proposal includes:
An official declaration ending the war
Two months of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme
Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
An end to the US blockade of Iranian ports
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had hinted earlier that developments could emerge “later today”, even as Trump continued to warn Iran of possible military strikes if negotiations failed.
Trump said he held discussions with leaders from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, along with Pakistan army chief Asim Munir and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
He also confirmed speaking separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the conversation “went very well”.
Reports suggest the latest Iranian proposal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz on a provisional basis. In return, Tehran is believed to have sought:
Release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets
An end to US restrictions on Iranian ports
Compensation for war-related damages
A permanent ceasefire before formal nuclear negotiations begin
However, Iran’s official response appeared cautious. The semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control and described Trump’s claim of a near-final agreement as “inconsistent with reality”.
The agency stated that decisions regarding passage, timing and permits through the strait would remain under the authority of the Islamic Republic.
The potential deal has also triggered criticism from hardline Republicans in the US. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused the Trump administration of offering concessions similar to the 2015 nuclear deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama.
Trump had withdrawn from that agreement — formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action — in 2018.
