The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to a temporary agreement aimed at halting months of conflict, though major disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.
According to multiple reports on Thursday, negotiators are discussing a short-term memorandum that would formally end active fighting and create a 30-day window for broader negotiations. The emerging framework is viewed as an interim measure rather than a full peace agreement.
The war, which escalated sharply following fighting involving Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier this year, has disrupted global shipping and energy markets. The Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway for world oil shipments — has remained at the center of the crisis, with military confrontations and blockades affecting commercial traffic for weeks.
President Donald Trump expressed optimism this week about the possibility of a breakthrough, saying Iran appears willing to negotiate. Reports indicate the proposed deal would involve a phased approach that includes formally ending hostilities, easing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, and beginning broader talks on sanctions and Iran’s nuclear activities.
Iranian officials, however, have signaled skepticism. Some lawmakers and government officials in Tehran described the proposal as overly favorable to U.S. demands and warned that several major issues remain unresolved. Iranian officials continue to insist they will only accept what they call a “fair and comprehensive agreement.”
Among the unresolved disputes are U.S. demands related to Iran’s missile program, support for regional proxy militias and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Reuters reported that several of those issues are not included in the current draft framework under discussion.
Military tensions in the region also remain high despite the diplomatic activity. Earlier this week, U.S. forces reportedly fired on and disabled an Iranian-flagged tanker accused of violating the blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has also warned foreign navies against entering waters it claims to control.
The ongoing conflict has heavily affected global energy markets. Oil prices fell sharply this week on optimism that a temporary agreement could reopen shipping lanes and reduce supply disruptions. Stock markets around the world also rallied on hopes that broader conflict in the region may be avoided.
Officials familiar with the negotiations cautioned that significant gaps remain and no final agreement has yet been signed.
Source: Reuters