Donald Trump and Mojtaba Khamenei (right)
US President Donald Trump claimed on Sunday that the US and Iran had “pretty much negotiated” a broader agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and possibly end the months-long conflict that began as part of “Operation Epic Fury.”
“However, Iran does not appear to agree with the MAGA decision on the Hormuz issue in what Trump calls a “largely negotiated” deal.“An agreement has been largely negotiated and is being finalized between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and various other countries,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.This announcement indicates potential progress towards easing tensions after months of military escalation in the region.
However, Trump told his aides and regional allies that he still retains the option of resuming military strikes if Iran fails to follow the terms of the interim agreement under discussion, according to a Wall Street Journal report.But Iran responded to Trump’s allegations. The state-run Fars News Agency reported that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control under the recent proposal exchanged between Tehran and Washington.
Iranian media also said the proposal was still awaiting final approval from the office of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.According to CNN, the latest draft of the memorandum of understanding being negotiated will gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease the US blockade of Iranian ports, and stop hostilities between the two countries.The proposed agreement would also begin at least 30 days of additional negotiations focused on outstanding issues related to Iran’s nuclear program, particularly Tehran’s stockpile of near weapons-grade uranium.Trump said discussions were still ongoing and warned that parts of the agreement could change.Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump’s peace efforts in a post on X, although he did not directly mention the agreement or the Strait of Hormuz.Instead, Sharif referred to a “very useful and productive phone call” that Trump had with the leaders of the Gulf states, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and Pakistan, represented by Army Commander Assem Mounir.Sharif said, “The discussions provided a useful opportunity to exchange views on the current regional situation and how to move the ongoing peace efforts forward.”Fars News Agency once again rejected Trump’s statements regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz, describing them as “incorrect” and “contrary to reality.”“Although Iran has agreed to allow the number of ships passing through to return to pre-war levels, this in no way means ‘free passage’ as it existed before the war,” the newspaper reported.Trump later said the talks with regional leaders focused on Iran and a memorandum related to “peace.”According to CNN, regional leaders urged Trump to move forward with the proposed framework agreement. One diplomat involved in the discussions described the conversation as encouraging.“The call was very positive. Good progress has been made. Regional leaders have been supportive of the progress and breakthrough President Trump has made in the talks,” a regional diplomat told CNN.Trump also revealed that he had a separate call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.He added, “The final aspects and details of the agreement are currently being discussed and will be announced soon. In addition to many other elements of the agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”But Israel remains cautious. According to an Israeli source reported by CNN, Tel Aviv is concerned that any temporary agreement could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease sanctions on Iran without fully addressing Tehran’s nuclear program and enriched uranium stockpile.The United States has reportedly assured Israel that the uranium issue remains a priority in the negotiations.Netanyahu is expected to hold a high-level security meeting with ministers and intelligence officials to discuss the latest developments.Earlier, in an interview with Axios, Trump described the chances of reaching an agreement with Iran as “50/50” before his calls with Gulf and regional leaders. He warned that the talks could either produce a “good” deal or lead the United States to “blow it up forever.”Officials from the United States and Iran indicated they may now be closer to an interim framework agreement after mediators from Qatar and Pakistan held talks in Tehran on Saturday. A regional source told CNN that the two sides are moving toward a broader future agreement.