Iran Peace Deal Accelerates as U.S. Forces Engage in Military Action Near Strait of Hormuz
The United States and Iran have indicated significant progress toward a potential agreement aimed at concluding their ongoing conflict. A senior U.S. administration official announced on Friday that both parties have reached consensus on a draft text, with expectations for an initial deal to be signed in the coming days. This development comes amid heightened military tensions, including the recent downing of Iranian drones by U.S. forces near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Shortly after the announcement regarding the potential agreement, U.S. Central Command confirmed that American forces intercepted multiple Iranian one-way attack drones that were en route to the Strait of Hormuz. The command stated that the waterway remains open for transit, despite reports of explosions in Iran’s Sirik port and Qeshm Island. Local officials attributed these explosions to warning shots fired by Iranian forces aimed at vessels attempting to cross without authorization from the Revolutionary Guards’ navy.
Proposed Memorandum of Understanding
The proposed memorandum of understanding includes provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports. Sources involved in the negotiations indicated that discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program—initially cited by U.S. President Donald Trump as a primary justification for the conflict—would occur at a later stage.
The U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, emphasized that the agreement aligns with Trump’s core objectives, placing negotiations “in a very, very good place.” However, reports from various sources, including Western, Pakistani, and Iranian outlets, suggest that the draft terms may disproportionately favor Iran, prompting criticism from Trump, who labeled these accounts as inaccurate.
While minor discrepancies exist in the details, the proposals appear to offer Tehran many of its long-sought goals. Trump seems poised to secure limited concessions, primarily the reopening of the Strait, which Iran had closed following U.S. and Israeli military actions in February.
A Western source indicated that the deal could be signed as early as Sunday by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, with Geneva emerging as a likely venue. Although discussions about a European location for the signing have taken place, no final decision has been reached.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that the agreement would be signed remotely before any public announcement.
Key Elements of the Agreement
Draft terms disclosed by multiple sources suggest that the U.S. would initiate the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and waive sanctions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for Iran’s commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The negotiations would also encompass discussions on Iran’s nuclear program over a 60-day period, with the U.S. official asserting that the ultimate goal is the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, including the destruction and removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
However, Araqchi has indicated that Iran is not prepared to dismantle its nuclear program entirely and prefers to retain its uranium in a diluted form. He stated, “For Tehran, the only preferred solution for its highly enriched uranium stockpile is down-blending the material.”
The proposals also include discussions on potential war reparations for Iran and the possibility of relaxing longstanding U.S. demands regarding Iran’s missile program. The U.S. official, however, disputed these claims, asserting that no financial relief would be granted until Iran demonstrates compliance. “The Strait of Hormuz will be open. No Iran funding of terrorist groups,” the official stated.
Exclusion of Israel from Negotiations
Israel has not participated in the ongoing negotiations, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that his country will not be a party to the agreement. Tensions have arisen between Netanyahu and Trump in recent weeks, particularly regarding U.S. demands for Israel to limit military actions in Lebanon to facilitate a deal with Tehran.
Araqchi suggested that the agreement would also bring an end to the conflict in Lebanon, implying an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories. However, Israel’s defense minister has firmly stated that the country will not withdraw, and a senior Israeli official has indicated that Israel intends to maintain its freedom to act against perceived threats.
Market Reactions and Political Implications
The potential for an agreement has surfaced amid a week marked by escalating hostilities in the Gulf, including exchanges of fire between Israeli and Iranian forces, as well as U.S. strikes on Iranian targets followed by retaliatory actions against U.S. bases. In response to these developments, global stock markets have risen, and oil prices have experienced a decline, with Brent crude prices falling over 3% to their lowest levels in nearly two months.
The ongoing conflict has become a significant political challenge for the White House, particularly as rising fuel prices coincide with declining approval ratings for Trump. Some Republican lawmakers are concerned that the unpopularity of the war could jeopardize their control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. However, many within Trump’s party may find it difficult to support an agreement perceived as overly favorable to Iran.
For further details, visit the source: www.emirates247.com.
Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.
Published on 2026-06-13 08:33:00 • By the Editorial Desk
