Trump announces Iran deal progress with Strait of Hormuz reopening, Iran disputes claims

US President Donald Trump announced on May 23, 2026, that a peace deal with Iran has been "largely negotiated" and could lead to the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came via Trump's Truth Social platform, where he emphasized that the agreement was "subject to finalization."

According to reports by Axios citing US government officials, the proposed agreement would involve a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire. During this period, Iran would clear mines it deployed in the Strait of Hormuz and reopen the waterway for free navigation without tolls. Simultaneously, Iran would be permitted to sell its oil freely on global markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes, carrying approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies. Its closure has had significant impacts on international energy markets and supply chains. Reopening the strait would therefore be of major importance not only for the region but for the global economy.

A central component of the negotiations concerns Iran's nuclear program. US officials confirmed to the New York Times that Iran has agreed to give up its stockpile of enriched uranium. These stockpiles are necessary for nuclear weapons production and represent one of the main points of contention in international relations with Iran. Israeli officials reportedly received assurances from Trump that Iran's highly enriched uranium would be removed from the country.

However, there is already resistance to these plans. Reports indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a directive prohibiting the export of enriched uranium. Senior Iranian officials argue that removing the material would increase Iran's vulnerability to future US or Israeli attacks.

Iran's Fars news agency disputed Trump's claims about the imminent opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This suggests ongoing disagreements between the negotiating parties, despite Trump's assertion of a largely negotiated agreement.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator in the peace talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country hopes to host the next round of Iran-US peace talks "very soon." This hosting role would place Pakistan at the center of diplomatic efforts and strengthen its position as a regional actor.

Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated that Iranian armed forces had rebuilt their capabilities during the ceasefire. This statement could be interpreted as a negotiating tactic to strengthen Iran's position in the talks.

The negotiations are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing regional tensions. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz was part of a larger conflict situation that required international attention and diplomatic intervention. A successful agreement could represent an important step toward de-escalation in the region.

Despite optimistic tones from Washington, important details of the agreement remain unclear. The different portrayals from US and Iranian sides show that considerable work is still required to reach a final agreement. The coming days will reveal whether diplomatic efforts can lead to a lasting accord.

The proposed deal also involves broader discussions about sanctions and frozen assets. Iranian authorities have reportedly proposed discussing these issues before signing any agreement, adding another layer of complexity to the negotiations. The involvement of multiple regional and international actors underscores the significance of these diplomatic efforts for Middle Eastern stability.