Nicolai Haugsted
US and Iran has reached a new agreement, while the POTUS is holding it back.
Three months of war, repeated flare-ups and weeks of conflicting signals may finally be giving way to something diplomats have struggled to achieve since fighting erupted in February: a path toward a broader agreement.
According to Reuters, sources familiar with negotiations say the United States and Iran have reached a preliminary understanding that would extend their existing ceasefire and reopen one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
Nothing has been finalized yet.
Donald Trump has not approved the proposal, while Iranian state-linked media insist negotiations remain unfinished.
Hormuz at the Centre of the Talks
According to several sources, the proposed framework would prolong the current truce by another 60 days while allowing unrestricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Waterway carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, making it one of the most important energy corridors on the planet.
Agreement would reportedly also require Washington to ease restrictions affecting Iranian ports and relax some sanctions tied to Iranian oil exports.
Markets reacted quickly.
Oil prices fell after reports emerged that shipping through Hormuz could soon return to normal.
“We’re Very Close”
Officials involved in negotiations remain cautious despite signs of progress.
“We’re not there yet, but we’re very close and we’re going to keep on working at it,” US Vice President JD Vance told reporters in Washington.
“I can’t guarantee that we’re going to get there, but right now I feel pretty good about it.”
Optimism has surfaced before.
Trump administration officials have repeatedly suggested a deal was within reach, only for Iranian officials to push back or downplay those claims.
Iran’s Tasnim news agency quoted a source close to negotiators as saying no final text has yet been approved.
Military Tensions Continue
Negotiations unfolded alongside another round of military incidents between the two countries.
US Central Command said American forces intercepted five Iranian attack drones and struck a launch-control site near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas before a sixth drone could be deployed.
Kuwait later reported intercepting a ballistic missile heading toward its territory.
American officials also rejected Iranian state television reports claiming a US aircraft had been shot down near Bushehr.
Washington described its military actions as defensive measures designed to preserve the ceasefire rather than undermine it.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard responded by claiming responsibility for targeting facilities linked to American operations and warned that future attacks would trigger what it called a “more decisive response.”
Difficult Issues Still Separate Both Sides
Despite movement on shipping and sanctions, major disagreements remain unresolved.
Tehran continues demanding broader sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and a reduction of US military presence in the region.
Washington maintains that any lasting agreement must address Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran insists its nuclear activities remain peaceful.
Regional disputes also continue complicating negotiations.
Iran argues any wider settlement must include an end to Israeli military operations involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, while Israeli strikes against Iran-backed targets have continued.
Trump Also Warns Oman
Diplomatic efforts became even more complicated after Trump issued a warning to Oman over reports involving potential cooperation with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
President threatened military action against the Gulf nation if it became involved in efforts to impose transit fees in the waterway.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later said Oman’s ambassador assured Washington that no such plans exist.
Omani officials have publicly emphasized freedom of navigation while maintaining dialogue with both Washington and Tehran.
For now, negotiators appear closer to a breakthrough than at any point since the conflict began on February 28 — even if both sides remain separated by some of the war’s biggest disputes.
