Emerging US-Iran Deal Could End War and Reopen Strait of Hormuz

An emerging agreement between the United States and Iran could bring an end to the 12-week war and gradually reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route for oil and natural gas.

U.S. President Donald Trump said over the weekend that the deal was “largely negotiated” following talks with Middle Eastern allies, including Israel.

According to regional and U.S. officials familiar with the negotiations, the proposed agreement would formally end hostilities between Iran, Israel and Iranian-backed groups such as Hezbollah. A fragile ceasefire has already been in place since April 7.

The deal would also allow the gradual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. In return, the United States would ease restrictions on Iran’s oil exports and begin negotiations on sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds during a 60-day period.

Another key part of the agreement involves Iran giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Officials said some uranium could be diluted while the remainder may be transferred to Russia.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran is prepared to assure the world that it is not seeking nuclear weapons, while Trump stressed that Iran “cannot develop or procure a nuclear weapon or bomb.”

However, several major issues remain unresolved, including the future of Iran’s missile program, uranium enrichment activities, possible U.S. troop withdrawals from the region and compensation for war-related damage.