US, Iran inch closer to deal to end the war: What to know
Trump says a US-Iran deal is largely negotiated, but Iran says major issues remain over Hormuz, uranium and sanctions.
Intelligence analysis by GPT-5.4 Mini
The article says Washington and Tehran are moving toward a framework deal to end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start wider talks. But Iranian officials say the sides still disagree on the waterway, nuclear limits and the scope of a ceasefire.
A big argument between the US and Iran may be turning into a deal. The deal would try to stop the war and let ships move again through an important sea path.
But the two sides still do not agree on some big things, like who controls that sea path and what Iran must do with its nuclear materials. It is like trying to finish a puzzle when a few important pieces still do not fit.
The story matters because a deal could calm the region and help trade. But the article says the talks are still fragile, so nothing is finished yet.
Analysis
What Trump says
Donald Trump said on Truth Social that an agreement between the US, Iran and several regional countries had been “largely negotiated,” with final details to come soon. He described it as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE” and said it would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed to most shipping since the war began on February 28. Trump said the talks involved Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain, and that he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What the reported draft could include
According to Reuters, Axios and the New York Times, the proposed framework would be phased: formally ending the war, addressing the Strait of Hormuz crisis and then opening a 30-day negotiation window for a broader peace agreement. Axios reported that ships could transit the strait without tolls, Iran could sell oil freely, and the US would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and waive some sanctions on Iranian oil. The outlet also said the draft includes a commitment from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons. The New York Times reported that the draft includes an apparent Iranian commitment to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iran’s response
Iranian officials say talks are continuing and some progress has been made, but they dispute parts of Trump’s account. Tasnim reported that the MoU includes a roadmap to end the war on all fronts, with sanctions on Iranian oil waived during negotiations. It also said Iran has not yet accepted any nuclear steps and that the potential deal allows 30 days for the Strait of Hormuz and 60 days for nuclear talks. Fars said Iran would manage the strait and called Trump’s claim about the waterway inconsistent with reality.
Main sticking points
The biggest dispute is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil and LNG. Iran says it has sovereignty over the waterway, while the US wants full freedom of navigation. Another unresolved issue is Iran’s nuclear programme, including whether Tehran will give up highly enriched uranium and commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran also says it wants an end to the war, an end to future US attacks and a halt to fighting involving Tehran-backed groups in Lebanon.
Key points
- Trump said a US-Iran agreement was largely negotiated and would be announced soon.
- The draft reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and phased peace talks.
- Iranian officials say major disagreements remain over Hormuz, nuclear issues and Lebanon.
- Axios said the US could lift some sanctions and Iran could sell oil freely.
- The New York Times reported a possible Iranian commitment to surrender highly enriched uranium.
