U.S. and Iran Near Deal to End War and Reopen Strait of Hormuz
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The United States and Iran are close to finalizing a deal to end their three-month war, with negotiations focused on reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz and securing Iran's agreement to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. President Trump stated a memorandum of understanding has been 'largely negotiated,' though final details on sanctions relief and implementation timelines are still being worked out. The emerging agreement could also include an end to the parallel conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Facts First
- A potential deal would end the U.S.-Iran war and commit to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran would agree to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with the method to be negotiated over a 60-day period.
- The U.S. would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports and allow Iran to sell oil through sanctions waivers.
- The agreement includes a framework to end the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon, though fighting there has recently intensified.
- President Trump has introduced a new demand for countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel.
What Happened
Regional officials and a U.S. official state the United States and Iran are nearing a deal to end the war that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28. The emerging memorandum of understanding (MOU) would formally end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and end the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. In exchange, Tehran would agree to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with the method—such as dilution or transfer to a third country—to be negotiated during a subsequent 60-day period. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reports Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity. The draft also includes an end to the war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group in Lebanon.
President Trump stated on Monday that his administration and Tehran had 'largely negotiated' a settlement. He held a conference call on Saturday with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, during which he pushed for countries not currently part of the Abraham Accords to join and normalize relations with Israel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that talks regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz and extending the ceasefire will take several more days.
Why this Matters to You
The potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could lead to lower global oil and gas prices. Before the war, one-fifth of the world's crude oil and natural gas passed through this waterway; its closure has contributed to a spike in energy costs. The nationwide average price of gasoline in the U.S. has risen to $4.53, approximately $1.50 per gallon above pre-war levels. A deal may stabilize these costs. Furthermore, shipping disruptions in the strait have affected the global availability and cost of products, meaning a resolution could ease supply chain pressures and lower prices for everyday items.
What's Next
The final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed and could be announced shortly. Secretary of State Rubio stated talks will take several more days. The White House aims to resolve final differences, but a U.S. official indicated it could take several days for the deal to receive approval from Iran's leadership. If finalized, the agreement would trigger a 60-day negotiation period to work out the specifics of Iran giving up its uranium stockpile, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian funds. President Trump has instructed the U.S. military to remain prepared for a full-scale assault if an acceptable deal is not reached.