WASHINGTON/TEHRAN, June 13 — Iran and the United States are reportedly close to finalizing an agreement aimed at ending months of conflict, with Tehran indicating that the deal would lead to the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz and the gradual lifting of US economic restrictions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi told state television that negotiations had reached their final stages and that a formal agreement could be signed within days. According to Araghchi, the proposed deal includes the removal of the US naval blockade on Iran and the restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass.
The conflict began on February 28 following US and Israeli strikes on targets across Iran. Tehran responded with attacks against Israel and US-allied states in the Gulf region and effectively restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy markets and raising fears of a broader regional war.
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran after negotiators achieved what he described as a “great settlement.” However, Trump dismissed reports published by Iranian media outlining a 14-point agreement, saying they did not accurately reflect the terms under discussion.
Senior US officials later confirmed key elements of the proposed framework. Under the arrangement, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington would ease restrictions on Iranian shipping. The agreement would then enter a 60-day negotiation phase focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and its stockpile of enriched uranium.
US officials stressed that any economic relief for Iran would be tied to verified compliance with the agreement. Sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets would occur gradually rather than through immediate financial concessions.
The draft framework also calls on Iran to halt support for regional proxy groups, including Hezbollah and other allied organizations operating across the Middle East.
Pakistan and Qatar have played significant roles in mediating the negotiations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran had been agreed and was awaiting final approval.
Despite growing optimism, officials on both sides have cautioned that previous rounds of negotiations collapsed at late stages. Nevertheless, both Washington and Tehran have expressed confidence that a final agreement could soon be reached.
“If the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced,” Araghchi said. “This could happen in the coming days. I am very hopeful.”
A successful deal could reduce tensions across the Middle East, restore stability to global energy markets, and open the door to broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.
