Trump Nears Iran Deal Featuring Ceasefire, Hormuz Reopening, and Nuclear Talks
Why It Matters
A potential agreement between the United States and Iran could ease global oil market pressures and halt an escalating military conflict, with implications for energy prices, regional stability, and the future of Iran’s nuclear program. The deal, if finalized, would represent a significant diplomatic development for the Trump administration and could reshape U.S. policy across the Middle East.
What Happened
The United States and Iran are nearing completion of a memorandum of understanding that would establish a 60-day ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, and launch formal negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, according to a U.S. official with knowledge of the draft terms.
The White House had hoped to announce the agreement on Sunday, though officials acknowledged the deal had not been finalized and remained subject to collapse. The framework has been largely verified by multiple sources close to the talks, though Iran has not publicly confirmed the specific terms outlined by the U.S. side.
President Trump consulted with Arab and Muslim leaders in a conference call Saturday, gathering support for the framework. Participants included the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates — all of whom expressed support for the deal, according to three sources with knowledge of the discussion. Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir has served as the primary mediator and was in Tehran on Friday and Saturday to help finalize terms.
What’s in the Draft Agreement
Under the terms of the MOU, which could be extended beyond 60 days by mutual consent, Iran would agree to clear mines it deployed in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing commercial shipping to pass freely and without tolls. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue sanctions waivers permitting Iran to sell oil on the open market.
U.S. officials described the arrangement as operating on a “relief for performance” principle — Iran’s economic benefits would be tied directly to the pace and credibility of its compliance. Iran had sought immediate unfreezing of assets and permanent sanctions relief, but U.S. negotiators insisted those steps would only follow verified concessions.
American military forces currently deployed in the region would remain there throughout the 60-day window and would only withdraw upon completion of a final, verifiable agreement.
Nuclear Talks Still Ahead
The draft MOU includes a commitment from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons and pledges to enter negotiations over suspending its uranium enrichment program and surrendering its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Two sources familiar with the talks said Iran conveyed verbal commitments through mediators regarding the scope of nuclear concessions it is prepared to make.
The U.S. would negotiate over sanctions relief and unfreezing Iranian funds during the 60-day period, though those measures would only be implemented as part of a final agreement that is verifiably carried out. Officials cautioned that if Iran appeared to be stalling on nuclear talks, the deal might not run its full course.
Israeli Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu raised objections to elements of the framework during a phone call with Trump on Saturday. Among his concerns was a provision that would formally end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. A U.S. official said Netanyahu made his case respectfully but expressed reservations about multiple aspects of the deal.
U.S. officials pushed back on Israeli concerns regarding Hezbollah, saying the ceasefire would not be one-sided and that Israel would retain the right to respond if Hezbollah attempted to rearm or launch attacks. Trump has separately encouraged Muslim leaders to pursue a peace deal with Israel following the conclusion of hostilities with Iran.
What’s Next
Officials indicated that remaining differences could be resolved within hours, with a formal announcement possible in the near term. Trump had reportedly been weighing a large-scale military strike against Iran as recently as Saturday before leaning toward a diplomatic path forward.
Whether the 60-day window produces a lasting agreement will depend largely on the scope of Iran’s willingness to make binding nuclear concessions. U.S. officials believe Iran’s severe economic pressures — including the impact of sanctions and the oil blockade — provide meaningful incentive to pursue a comprehensive settlement. If Iran meets Trump’s nuclear demands, advisers say the president is prepared to pursue a broad economic normalization with Tehran.