Iran Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi Says US Deal Reopening Strait of Hormuz Is Close

Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said a deal with the US to end fighting is close and includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting a US blockade of Iran, with talks on Iran’s nuclear programme beginning later.

Araghchi told state TV that “as soon as the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced,” and he said it “could happen in the coming days,” adding “I am very hopeful.”

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The BBC reported that the war began with US and Israeli strikes across Iran on 28 February, and that despite an April ceasefire the US and Iran have exchanged intermittent fire including two rounds of tit-for-tat strikes this week.

NBC News reported that Pakistan said a “final, agreed upon text” of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached, while Iran was holding “final” deliberations as two Iranian drones were shot down and Iranian media reported its military stopped a tanker from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

The BBC also said the deal would be followed by a 60-day period of negotiation focusing on Iran’s enriched uranium, with US officials saying the material would be destroyed on site and then removed from the country.

Trump said Iranian state media’s description of the agreement had “nothing to do with the terms that were agreed to” and “bears no relation to the truth,” while the BBC said US officials confirmed some details and tied economic benefits to Tehran meeting obligations.

The Guardian reported that Araqchi told Iranian state media that nuclear talks with the US will only take place at a later stage, and that “Nuclear program is not part of this stage of talks.”

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CNN said the White House signaled optimism while key questions remain, and it reported that a signed memorandum of understanding would trigger 60 more days of “technical” negotiations on implementation and remaining issues.

CNN also quoted Araghchi saying a statement about future control of the Strait of Hormuz should be expected “soon,” and said the statement would be jointly released with the Omani government.

Meanwhile, the Express Tribune reported that Trump had repeatedly declared a deal was “very close,” and that the Islamic republic’s foreign ministry responded that it “has not reached a final conclusion on the agreement.”

The BBC said the agreement would call on Iran to stop funding proxy groups in the region, and it described US officials emphasizing the MOU was based on “performance,” with economic benefits tied to verified implementation of measures.

NBC News reported that Araghchi said Iran will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz and that “Our sword will remain poised over the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely,” while he also said Iran intends to charge a service fee for ships passing through the strait.

CBS News said the initial agreement would declare an end to the war “on all fronts, including Lebanon,” and it reported that Araghchi said terms dealing with Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized in the 60 days after the initial agreement is signed.

Fox News reported that CENTCOM said it redirected 139 commercial vessels and disabled nine ships since the blockade against Iran began on April 13, underscoring that maritime enforcement remained active as negotiations continued.

CBS News also said oil futures fell on optimism about reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with West Texas Intermediate closing at under $85 per barrel for July deliveries and Brent trading at just under $87 per barrel for August deliveries as of 5:45 p.m. ET.