Former President Donald Trump said Saturday that a potential peace agreement involving the United States and Iran has been “largely negotiated,” raising the possibility of a pause in tensions tied to the conflict that escalated earlier this year.
In a post on social media, Trump said negotiators were still discussing the “final aspects and details” of what he described as a memorandum of understanding involving the United States, Iran and several regional countries.
Trump also claimed the Strait of Hormuz would reopen under the proposed arrangement, a development with major implications for global energy markets and international shipping.
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries,” Trump wrote.
However, Iranian media quickly challenged parts of the announcement, suggesting negotiations may still face major obstacles.
Strait
Iran’s Fars News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Tehran would continue maintaining authority over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, Iran would retain control over shipping routes, permits and movement through the strategic waterway.
“The management of the Strait, determining the route, time, method of passage, and issuing permits will continue to be the monopoly and discretion of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the agency reported on Telegram.
The report also described Trump’s statement about a near-final agreement as “inconsistent with reality.”
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the narrow channel each day.
Talks
Pakistan appeared to play a central role in recent negotiations.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts and confirmed discussions involving several Middle Eastern leaders.
Sharif said conversations with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Pakistan had been “very useful and productive.”
“Pakistan will continue its peace efforts with utmost sincerity and we hope to host the next round of talks very soon,” Sharif said.
Pakistan’s army chief, Syed Asim Munir, has reportedly held recent meetings in Tehran with senior Iranian officials, including Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Reuters reported that Iran and Pakistan had submitted a revised proposal to the United States aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Proposal
Several media outlets published reported details of the proposed framework, although officials have not publicly confirmed all aspects.
According to Axios, the proposal could include:
| Proposed Terms | Details |
|---|---|
| Strait Access | Strait of Hormuz reopened without tolls |
| Ceasefire | 60-day extension tied to negotiations |
| Oil Exports | Iran allowed to freely sell oil |
| Nuclear Talks | Discussions on limiting nuclear activity |
| US Measures | Possible lifting of blockade on Iranian ports |
The Associated Press also reported that discussions could involve a formal declaration ending hostilities and a two-month negotiation period regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
The New York Times reported that frozen Iranian assets worth roughly $25 billion could potentially be released under a future agreement.
Diplomacy
Trump said he held phone calls with multiple regional leaders as negotiations progressed.
Those discussions reportedly included leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain and Turkey, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump also said he met with American negotiators including special envoy Steve Witkoff, adviser Jared Kushner and Vice President JD Vance.
Despite the diplomatic developments, Trump continued to warn that military action remained possible if negotiations failed.
He previously told CBS and Axios that the United States would act again if an agreement was not reached.
Reactions
The reported negotiations triggered criticism from some Republican foreign policy figures who argued the proposed terms resembled the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated during the Obama administration.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized reports suggesting sanctions relief and economic concessions for Iran.
“The deal being floated with Iran seems straight out of the Wendy Sherman-Robert Malley-Ben Rhodes playbook,” Pompeo wrote on social media.
Pompeo argued the United States should instead continue pressure on Iran and limit its access to resources.
Former Obama adviser Robert Malley responded by saying that while the rumored deal may not match previous approaches, preventing further conflict remained important.
“If this deal brings an end to an unlawful, unjustifiable war, to the senseless loss of life and destruction, and to the cascading global economic fallout, I am quite sure we’d willingly accept it over the alternative,” Malley said.
White House communications director Steven Cheung also responded sharply to Pompeo’s criticism, defending the administration’s handling of negotiations.
Outlook
Officials from multiple countries have not yet confirmed whether a final agreement has been reached.
The negotiations remain sensitive due to ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities, regional security concerns and control over key shipping routes.
Still, Trump’s comments and the reports from regional mediators suggest diplomatic efforts have accelerated in recent days.
Any agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz could have immediate effects on global oil markets, shipping operations and broader Middle East stability.
FAQs
What did Trump announce?
He said a peace deal with Iran is largely negotiated.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
It is a key global oil shipping route.
Did Iran confirm the agreement?
Iranian media disputed parts of Trump’s claim.
Which country helped mediate talks?
Pakistan played a major mediation role.
Could sanctions on Iran change?
Reports suggest some restrictions may be eased.
