US-Iran Deal Nearing Completion, Strait of Hormuz Could Reopen

A deal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran is in its final stages, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He said the proposed agreement would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of US sanctions on Iran. The BBC reported the development.

In an interview with Iranian state television, Araghchi said separate negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program would begin once the agreement is implemented.

US officials have also confirmed parts of the proposed deal. However, they emphasized that Iran would receive economic benefits only after fully complying with the terms of the agreement.

The conflict began on February 28 this year following US and Israeli military strikes. Iran responded by launching attacks against Israel and US allies in the Gulf region.

The confrontation effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, through which a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies pass.

Although both sides agreed to a ceasefire in April, intermittent exchanges of attacks have continued. Fresh rounds of retaliatory strikes were reported earlier this week.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had canceled a planned military operation against Iran after negotiators reached what he described as a “great agreement.” He added that the deal could be signed very soon.

On Friday, several Iranian media outlets published details of a reported 14-point agreement. Trump dismissed those reports, saying the published terms bore no resemblance to the actual negotiations.

Pakistan, which has been acting as a mediator, also expressed optimism. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had reached consensus on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and were now awaiting final formal approval.