Since the United States and Israel went to war with Iran in February, the Strait of Hormuz has been shut, and a global energy crisis has followed. Now Washington and Tehran appear close to a deal that would change that.
Axios, citing a US official, reported that the two sides are nearing a 60-day extension of the ceasefire. Under the draft, ships would pass through the strait with no tolls, and Iran would clear the mines it laid there. Iran could also resume selling oil.
The US side of the bargain, as Axios described it, is to end its blockade of Iranian ports and grant some sanctions waivers so that oil can be sold freely.
Nuclear talks inside the window
The extension is only half the story. The 60 days would double as a negotiating period on Iran’s nuclear programme, and the draft reportedly carries a pledge from Iran never to pursue nuclear weapons. Iran would also agree to talk about suspending uranium enrichment and about removing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Two sources told Axios that Iran has already passed verbal assurances to the US, through mediators, on how far it is prepared to go on enrichment and on giving up the material. In return, the US would negotiate over lifting sanctions and unfreezing Iranian funds within the same 60 days.
The White House did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the report.
What Trump and Rubio said
President Donald Trump described a “largely negotiated” memorandum of understanding that would reopen the strait. He gave no detail on what else it contains. On Truth Social he wrote: “Final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking during a visit to India, said further news on Iran might arrive on Sunday. Good news on the strait was possible within hours, he added.
Tehran’s caution
Iran struck a more guarded tone. Its government said this week’s diplomacy showed progress toward easing tensions, though several important issues still had to go through the mediators.
“The trend this week has been towards a reduction in disputes, but there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei. “We will have to wait and see where the situation ends in the next three or four days.”
Baghaei called the US blockade on Iranian shipping an important matter. Tehran’s priority, he said, is an end to the threat of fresh American attacks and to the fighting in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is engaged with Israeli troops who have moved into the south.
Sources
Sources
- US, Iran near deal on 60-day ceasefire extension, Hormuz reopening…
- US, Iranian negotiators agree to 60-day ceasefire extension…
