‘Deep suspicion’ of US lingers as Iran ponders agreement to end war
Iran is weighing a deal with the US while accusing Washington of violating a fragile ceasefire. Officials and hardliners warn that any agreement must not look like surrender.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
Tehran is debating whether to accept a memorandum with Washington that could ease pressure in the Strait of Hormuz and unlock frozen funds, but distrust remains deep after fresh strikes and counterclaims. Iranian leaders are trying to balance relief, deterrence, and domestic political legitimacy.
Iran and the United States are trying to make a deal to stop a war, but Iran does not trust the United States. Iranian leaders say fresh attacks made that distrust even stronger.
The deal could help ships move again through an important water route and could free up some money Iran cannot use now. But many people in Iran worry the deal might be a trick that leaves them weaker later.
It is like two kids trying to stop fighting, but one still thinks the other might swing again after the handshake. Iran wants peace, but not a peace that makes it look beaten.
Analysis
What happened
Iranian officials say talks with the United States are still alive, but the mood in Tehran is highly skeptical. The foreign ministry accused Washington of a “blatant violation” of the shaky ceasefire by striking Hormozgan province on Monday night, and said the attack confirmed Iran’s long-standing distrust.
The article says an Iranian delegation led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had just returned from Qatar, where efforts were under way to reach an understanding that could help end nearly three months of war. At the same time, the IRGC said Iranian forces shot down a US-made RQ-4 drone with a locally built air-defense system, while the US military said it was targeting missile launch sites and boats suspected of laying mines.
What the deal could include
The reported memorandum of understanding could reopen more transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which has mostly frozen since the wave of US and Israeli strikes on February 28. It could also give Iran access to some frozen overseas funds and create a possible path toward a broader nuclear agreement later on.
But the article makes clear that many figures inside Iran fear a deal could be used only as a pause before more strikes. Nicole Grajewski told Al Jazeera that Tehran may need to present any agreement as preserving key sovereign lines, not as surrender.
Internal pressure in Tehran
Hardline and more moderate voices alike are signaling that Iran will not accept an arrangement that looks like capitulation. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons or regional insecurity. At the same time, IRGC commanders and security officials are publicly warning that there will be no retreat and that readiness for renewed confrontation remains intact.
The core dispute inside Iran has now shifted from whether to negotiate to what the country would actually give up. As Alex Vatanka told Al Jazeera, the biggest concern is losing leverage, especially around Hormuz, sanctions relief, and nuclear concessions. The story suggests any breakthrough will depend on whether Tehran believes the relief is real, fast, and politically survivable at home.
Key points
- Iran accused the US of breaking a fragile ceasefire with new strikes in Hormozgan province.
- An Iranian delegation returned from Qatar as talks continued on a possible memorandum with Washington.
- The proposed deal could affect Strait of Hormuz shipping, frozen Iranian funds, and future nuclear talks.
- Iranian officials and IRGC figures are publicly warning against any agreement that looks like surrender.
- Analysts say Tehran is worried about losing leverage if it gives up too much too soon.
