Negotiators reach Iran deal but Trump, Tehran must still sign off

Negotiators Reach Agreement on Hormuz Reopening, But Trump and Iran Await Final Approval

Negotiators reach Iran deal but Trump - Amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, a breakthrough has emerged as diplomats from both nations finalized an arrangement to restore open access to the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The tentative accord, announced by an American official, aims to reinstate unimpeded maritime traffic through the waterway and prolong a seven-week ceasefire agreement. However, the deal remains incomplete, requiring formal endorsement from President Donald Trump and Iranian leadership before it can take effect.

The American proposal was forwarded to Pakistan, acting as an intermediary, and subsequently presented to Iran’s negotiating team, according to a regional official. While the terms of the agreement have been outlined, neither side has yet given their final sign-off. This includes Iran’s commitment to remove mines from the strait within 30 days and the U.S. agreement to lift some economic sanctions on oil exports. The deal also stipulates that Iranian ports will no longer face a blockade, allowing commercial vessels to pass freely.

Conditional Terms and Nuclear Agreements

The memorandum of understanding, reportedly first shared by Axios, contains provisions that Iran must accept in exchange for easing hostilities. A key requirement is Tehran’s pledge to abandon nuclear weapon development and engage in talks about the disposition of its enriched uranium stockpiles. In return, the United States has agreed to reassess its sanctions policy, potentially easing restrictions further if the agreement progresses.

However, the current framework is not entirely finalized. Iran’s Tasnim news agency confirmed that the text of the memorandum is still under review, with internal discussions ongoing among the Iranian delegation. The official emphasized that the document’s contents hinge on the president’s final decision, creating a critical bottleneck in the process. “Everything depends on what the president wants to do,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, reflecting the administration’s cautious approach.

Recent Military Actions and Defensive Strategies

While diplomatic efforts continue, the conflict has seen renewed military activity. On May 25, the U.S. military launched strikes targeting Iranian vessels attempting to plant mines and missile installations, as reported by the Central Command. These actions were described as defensive, aimed at safeguarding American forces from potential threats. The following day, CENTCOM accused Iran of violating the ceasefire, citing the launch of a ballistic missile toward Kuwait and the deployment of five attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz. A sixth drone was intercepted before it could take flight.

“Everything we have done so far has been defensive,” Bessent reiterated during a May 28 press briefing, underscoring the administration’s strategy of balancing aggression with restraint. The official noted that if Trump chooses to escalate the conflict, the current defensive posture could shift to a more aggressive stance. “If the president doesn’t think he can secure a peace deal, that will change,” he added, highlighting the conditional nature of the agreement.

Trump’s Optimism and Strategic Calculations

Despite the ceasefire violations, Trump has expressed confidence in the possibility of a peace accord. During a May 27 Cabinet meeting, the president stated, “I think we’re doing very well, I think they’re starting to give us the things that they have to give us, and if they won’t, then the man on my left is gonna finish them off,” pointing to Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. This remark signals Trump’s readiness to employ military force if diplomatic progress stalls.

Yet, Trump’s optimism has been tempered by setbacks. After initially suggesting a peace agreement was imminent, he warned negotiators not to rush, citing public backlash against the conflict. The U.S. military’s recent strikes and the intercepted drones have reignited concerns about the stability of the ceasefire. Nevertheless, the administration maintains that these actions are necessary to protect national interests and maintain pressure on Iran.

Public Sentiment and Economic Implications

The deal’s success could have significant economic repercussions, particularly for American consumers. Approximately 20% of global oil shipments traverse the Strait of Hormuz, and its closure has led to a sharp increase in gas prices. While the potential agreement may alleviate this strain, polls indicate that most Americans disapprove of Trump’s handling of the crisis. The president, however, remains unfazed, dismissing concerns about the war’s impact on midterm elections.

“I don’t care about the midterms,” Trump said, dismissing the idea that the conflict might affect his political standing. His remarks reflect a broader focus on achieving strategic objectives, even at the cost of domestic backlash. The administration’s insistence on Iran’s nuclear commitments suggests a desire to address long-standing concerns about the country’s weapons program, which has been a central point of contention in U.S.-Iran relations.

Progress and Remaining Challenges

Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the progress made during the negotiations, noting that “we’re going back and forth on a couple of language points” in the deal. This indicates that while the core terms are in place, finalizing the agreement requires careful wording to align with both sides’ interests. Vance expressed hope that the ongoing dialogue would lead to a resolution, emphasizing the importance of continued momentum.

Bessent, meanwhile, conceded that the deal’s details are still being refined, though he hinted at optimism. “We perhaps have the makings of a deal here,” he said, highlighting the tentative nature of the agreement. The U.S. and Iranian teams face the challenge of reconciling differing priorities, with Iran seeking concessions on sanctions and the U.S. prioritizing nuclear safeguards and maritime security.

The situation underscores the delicate balance between diplomacy and military action. While the deal offers a path to de-escalation, it remains vulnerable to political and strategic shifts. Trump’s rhetoric, combined with the military’s assertive actions, creates a dynamic where both sides must navigate competing pressures. The success of the agreement will ultimately depend on the president’s willingness to compromise and the Iranian leadership’s readiness to meet U.S. demands.

As the talks continue, the international community watches closely. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would not only ease economic pressures but also signal a potential thaw in the tense relationship between the two nations. However, the road to resolution is fraught with uncertainty, and the final approval from both leaders will be a defining moment in the conflict’s evolution. For now, the agreement stands as a fragile bridge between war and peace, with the fate of the deal resting on the decisions of key decision-makers.