Former US President Donald Trump has claimed that Washington and Tehran are on the brink of reaching a major agreement that could significantly ease tensions in the Middle East, potentially paving the way for lasting peace, the restoration of normal maritime trade routes, and renewed diplomatic engagement over Iran’s nuclear programme. According to Trump, the two sides have already reached what he described as a substantial settlement, with only the completion of final documentation remaining before the agreement can be formally signed.
Speaking at the White House on Thursday, Trump expressed optimism that the long-running confrontation between the United States and Iran was nearing a diplomatic breakthrough. He stated that Washington had successfully negotiated a strong settlement regarding the conflict with Tehran and suggested that the remaining steps were largely procedural. His comments raised hopes that a period of stability could soon return to the region, particularly after months of heightened tensions and uncertainty.
Iran, however, offered a more cautious assessment of the situation. While not rejecting the possibility of an agreement, Iranian officials stressed that no final deal had yet been approved. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that the proposed arrangement was still being examined by the country’s decision-making institutions and reiterated that Iran would not compromise on what it considers its fundamental national interests and negotiating red lines.
Despite the differing public statements from Washington and Tehran, officials familiar with the negotiations indicated that significant progress has been made. According to reports cited by Axios, representatives from both countries have largely agreed on the framework of a memorandum of understanding (MOU). This preliminary arrangement would establish a temporary 60-day ceasefire and provide the basis for broader negotiations aimed at achieving a more permanent and comprehensive settlement.
At the heart of the proposed agreement is a ceasefire framework designed to prevent any further military escalation. Under the plan, both the United States and Iran would commit to extending the current ceasefire into a formal 60-day truce. The arrangement could also be prolonged if both sides agree that additional time is necessary to continue negotiations. Supporters of the proposal believe that the ceasefire would create a stable environment in which diplomats could address more complex issues without the immediate threat of renewed hostilities.
Another major component of the proposed agreement concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages. The waterway serves as a critical route for global energy shipments, and any disruption to traffic through the strait can have significant consequences for international markets. According to the reported framework, the strait would be reopened immediately once the agreement is signed. Iran would guarantee the free movement of commercial vessels through the waterway and would refrain from imposing any tolls, fees, or restrictions on international shipping.
In addition, Tehran would be responsible for removing any naval mines or other obstacles that may have been deployed during the conflict. Measures would also be implemented to ensure safe navigation for cargo vessels, oil tankers, and other commercial ships. Officials involved in the discussions reportedly expect maritime traffic to return to normal levels within approximately thirty days of the agreement taking effect, restoring confidence to global shipping markets.
The proposed deal also contains several economic provisions intended to provide relief to Iran while encouraging continued compliance with the agreement. Under the framework, the United States would lift restrictions that have effectively blocked Iranian ports and would issue sanctions waivers allowing Tehran to resume oil exports during the truce period. These measures are intended to provide immediate economic benefits while creating incentives for further diplomatic engagement.
Additional sanctions relief would be linked to Iran’s adherence to the terms of the agreement and its willingness to make progress during future negotiations. Discussions are also reportedly underway regarding Iranian financial assets that remain frozen abroad. One proposal under consideration would allow Tehran access to a portion of these funds for humanitarian purposes, including the purchase of essential goods and services. However, negotiators are still working out the precise details of such arrangements.
Perhaps the most sensitive aspect of the proposed agreement relates to Iran’s nuclear programme. According to the framework currently under discussion, Iran would formally commit to never developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon. Tehran would also enter into negotiations concerning the suspension of uranium enrichment activities, one of the central concerns raised by Western governments for many years.
The issue of Iran’s existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium would not be resolved immediately but would instead be addressed through subsequent rounds of negotiations. Several options are reportedly being considered. These include diluting the enriched material under the supervision of international organisations such as the United Nations or transferring the stockpile to a third country for safekeeping and monitoring. Any concrete measures involving Iran’s nuclear infrastructure would require a separate and far more detailed agreement beyond the initial ceasefire framework.
The positions of both sides remain shaped by their core strategic priorities. The United States continues to insist that Iran must permanently abandon any effort to obtain nuclear weapons. Washington also seeks assurances regarding the management of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves and demands guarantees that international shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain free and uninterrupted.
At the same time, the United States has rejected several proposals that it considers unacceptable. American officials oppose any arrangement that would allow Iran to charge fees for passage through the strait, establish exclusive military authority over the waterway, or require a complete withdrawal of US military forces from the broader Middle East region.
Iran, for its part, has focused on securing broader economic and security guarantees. Tehran has pushed for extensive sanctions relief, access to frozen financial assets, assurances against future military attacks, and long-term international commitments that would protect any final agreement from future political changes. Iranian officials argue that such guarantees are necessary to ensure that any settlement remains durable and beneficial for all parties involved.
Trump maintained that the proposed agreement successfully addresses Washington’s primary objective. He stated that the central goal of the negotiations had always been preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and expressed confidence that this objective had been achieved within the framework currently being discussed. According to Trump, Iran had agreed to conditions that would ensure it never acquires nuclear arms.
When asked directly whether Tehran had accepted those restrictions, Trump responded unequivocally, stating that Iran would not possess a nuclear weapon and that it had already agreed to that principle. His comments reflected the confidence with which he views the progress of the negotiations and the likelihood of a final agreement being reached.
Iranian officials, however, have been more restrained in their public remarks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reiterated that Tehran would not negotiate under pressure and would continue to defend its established positions throughout the talks. While acknowledging ongoing discussions, he stressed that any agreement must respect Iran’s national interests and sovereignty.
As mediators continue working to resolve the remaining issues and finalise the text of the agreement, many observers believe that Washington and Tehran are closer to a diplomatic breakthrough than they have been at any time since tensions escalated. Nevertheless, officials on both sides acknowledge that important procedural and political hurdles remain. Formal approval from relevant authorities is still required before the proposed settlement can be officially signed and implemented.
If completed, the agreement could mark a significant turning point in US-Iran relations, reduce the risk of military confrontation in the Middle East, restore stability to one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, and reopen diplomatic channels that have remained strained for years. For now, however, the deal remains a work in progress, awaiting final endorsement from both governments before it can move from negotiation to reality.
