Arabic version: إيران تعلن عن صفقة محتملة لإعادة فتح مضيق هرمز

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, has stated that a deal with the United States to end ongoing hostilities is nearing completion, which would also include the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. According to BBC News, the agreement also entails lifting the US blockade on Iranian shipping, although discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program are set to commence later.

The conflict escalated following US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which prompted Iranian retaliation against Israel and US-allied nations in the Gulf. This led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas. Despite a ceasefire established in April, intermittent exchanges of fire between the US and Iran have continued, including recent tit-for-tat strikes.

US President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned attacks against Iran, citing a favorable settlement in negotiations. However, he expressed skepticism about the accuracy of the details released by Iranian media regarding the deal. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) had been agreed upon and is awaiting finalization.

The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in return for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian shipping, followed by a 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s enriched uranium. US officials clarified that economic benefits for Iran would be contingent on the country’s adherence to its commitments, emphasizing that there would be no upfront financial assistance.

Araghchi indicated that the first point of the MOU is the lifting of the US naval blockade, and he expressed optimism about finalizing the agreement soon. The deal aims to conclude the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, although Israel’s prime minister has warned of military action if Hezbollah continues its attacks against northern Israel.