The United States and Iran are reportedly close to reaching a ceasefire and peace agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Middle Eastern media, including Saudi Arabia’s Al-Arabiya, have referenced a draft agreement suggesting that a deal could be finalized soon.
The draft agreement reportedly calls for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire on all fronts, bans attacks on military, civilian, and economic infrastructure, and suspends all military operations and propaganda campaigns.
It also emphasizes respect for national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs.
Additionally, the agreement guarantees freedom of navigation in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, and establishes joint procedures to monitor compliance and resolve disputes.
The agreement also requires that any unresolved issues be negotiated within seven days, and stipulates that sanctions will be lifted gradually depending on Iran’s compliance. The agreement is set to take effect immediately once officially announced.
On the same day, both U.S. and Iranian officials acknowledged progress in the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, following a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Helsingborg, Sweden, stated, “We are awaiting news about ongoing [Iran] talks” and confirmed, “there has been some progress.”
Rubio cautioned not to overstate the developments but noted, “there has been some movement, which is a good thing.” Meanwhile, a senior Iranian source told Reuters, “Differences have narrowed, though uranium enrichment and the strait issue remain sticking points.”
Reports have also surfaced that Pakistan, acting as a mediator, and Qatar, supporting U.S. interests in the negotiations, have both sent high-level delegations to Iran.
According to international media, Qatar’s negotiation team has already arrived in Tehran, while Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir is expected shortly.
Reuters reported that “Qatar’s team visited Iran after working with the U.S. to help reach an agreement ending the war and resolving unresolved issues.”
Although the prospects for a resolution have improved with greater mediator involvement and more detailed agreement terms, the management of Iran’s nuclear materials remains a key unresolved issue.
