An agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and reducing tensions in the region appears to be nearing completion. The announcement was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who stated that negotiations have entered their final stage.
According to Araghchi, the agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most critical maritime routes for the transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas—as well as the lifting of the U.S. blockade against Iran. He added that negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program will take place at a later stage.
U.S. officials have confirmed several elements of the agreement, emphasizing that economic benefits for Iran will depend on Tehran fulfilling the commitments it undertakes.
The conflict began following U.S. and Israeli strikes on targets in Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian retaliatory actions against Israel and U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf. The confrontation also led to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns across international energy markets.
Although the parties agreed to a ceasefire in April, several new incidents involving exchanges of fire have been reported in recent weeks. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that he had canceled planned strikes against Iran after negotiators had reached what he described as an “excellent solution.”
Iranian media published details on Friday of a 14-point memorandum of understanding, but Trump dismissed the report, saying it did not reflect the actual terms of the agreement.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has played a mediating role in the talks, stated that the memorandum between the United States and Iran has been agreed upon in principle and now awaits finalization.
According to Iran’s foreign minister, discussions are still ongoing within the country’s highest security institutions regarding the terms of the agreement. However, he expressed optimism that the document could be signed within the coming days.
U.S. officials stated that the agreement provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting restrictions on Iranian vessels. This would be followed by a 60-day period of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, with particular focus on its enriched uranium stockpiles.
From an economic standpoint, the United States has made it clear that Iran will not receive immediate financial benefits. Sanctions and restrictions would be lifted gradually and only after compliance with Tehran’s commitments has been verified.
The agreement also reportedly requires Iran to halt financial support for allied groups in the region, including Hezbollah and other organizations it backs across the Middle East.
Despite the optimism expressed by the United States, Iran, and regional mediators, it remains uncertain whether the parties will ultimately finalize the deal, as similar efforts in recent months have collapsed at the final stage.
“Once the final phases of the negotiations are completed, the agreement will be signed and announced. This could happen within the coming days. I am very optimistic,” Araghchi told Iranian state television.
