US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his team had largely negotiated an agreement with Iran, but stressed that the deal remained subject to final approval and completion of outstanding details.
Trump did not provide specifics on what the agreement covers, though he indicated that opening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil trade, formed part of the understanding. The strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, has been a flashpoint between the US and Iran for years, with Tehran repeatedly threatening to close it during periods of heightened tension.
The American president's comments came amid months of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran, mediated through intermediaries. Trump's previous administration had withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear agreement known as the JCPOA, reimposing harsh sanctions on Iran that crippled its economy. His current approach signals a shift toward diplomatic engagement, though he cautioned that much work remained.
Trump said his administration would continue negotiations to iron out remaining points before any formal agreement could be signed. He did not specify a timeline for when those negotiations might conclude or what the main sticking points were.
Iran's response to Trump's announcement was muted. Officials in Tehran have historically adopted a cautious stance during negotiations, focusing on sanctions relief and guarantees that any future American administration would not abandon an agreement as Trump's previous team did.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's crude oil passes daily, has been a barometer of US-Iran relations. When tensions spike, crude oil prices typically rise because traders fear disruptions to supply.
Trump will face pressure from Republican hardliners in Congress who opposed the 2015 deal and remain sceptical of any agreement with Iran. Conversely, some Democrats have called for renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a military escalation in the Middle East.
The Trump team expects to resume formal negotiations with Iran within the coming weeks, with officials from both countries preparing briefing documents and position papers. A State Department spokesperson said the US remained committed to reaching a comprehensive agreement that addressed American security concerns while providing Iran with meaningful economic relief.
