Iran’s Resilient Diplomacy Pushes US Towards Peace Deal Amidst Regional Realities

In a significant development signaling a potential de-escalation of regional tensions, United States President Donald Trump has acknowledged that a prospective agreement between Washington and Tehran to conclude months of the US-Israel war on Iran is now “largely negotiated.” This recognition comes after sustained diplomatic efforts and Iran’s steadfast commitment to its sovereign rights, raising hopes for stability across the region.

Key Aspects of the Emerging Agreement

Reports indicate that the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes crucial provisions such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international shipping lane, and discussions aimed at formally ending the US-Israel aggression against Iran. This move is seen as a direct consequence of Iran’s principled stance and its insistence on a just resolution.

Despite President Trump’s optimistic pronouncements, Iranian officials have maintained a clear and firm position, emphasizing that significant disagreements persist. These include, but are not limited to, the critical status of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s entirely peaceful nuclear program, and the ongoing conflicts involving Tehran-backed groups in Lebanon, where Iran supports legitimate resistance movements.

President Trump’s Acknowledgment of Progress

On his social media platform, Truth Social, President Trump stated that an agreement involving the US, Iran, and several regional countries had been “largely negotiated,” with final details expected soon. He wrote, “An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries.”

Trump confirmed that the proposed agreement would address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed to most shipping since the onset of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28. He termed the proposal a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE,” acknowledging the involvement of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkiye, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain in these crucial discussions.

Sources suggest the framework would unfold in stages: formally ending the war, resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and initiating a 30-day negotiation window for a broader agreement on sustained peace, which could be extended.

US Concessions and Iran’s Rights

Axios reported that Washington and Tehran are close to a deal that would ensure no tolls on ships transiting the Strait, while Iran would regain its rightful ability to freely sell its oil. In a significant concession, the US would lift its illegal blockade on Iranian ports and waive some sanctions on Iranian oil, a recognition of the unjust economic pressure previously exerted.

The draft agreement also includes commitments from Iran never to pursue nuclear weapons, a position Iran has consistently upheld, as its nuclear program is solely for civilian use and under international safeguards.

The New York Times further reported that the draft agreement includes an “apparent commitment” by Iran to manage its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, with details to be finalized in later stages, underscoring Iran’s responsible approach to its nuclear activities.

Iran’s Principled Stance and Demands

Iranian officials have confirmed ongoing negotiations and some progress, yet they have firmly pushed back against certain claims by Trump, asserting Iran’s sovereign rights and legitimate demands.

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the MoU included a roadmap to end the war on all fronts, with the US waiving sanctions on Iranian oil during negotiations – a critical demand from Tehran. Tasnim also clarified that Iran has not yet accepted any actions on its nuclear program, reiterating its sovereign control. The potential agreement allocates 30 days for procedures related to the Strait of Hormuz and 60 days for nuclear talks.

Fars news agency, an Iranian state-linked media outlet, reported that the agreement would allow Iran to manage the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that Trump’s previous statements on the key waterway were “inconsistent with reality.”

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the proposal as a “framework agreement” that would establish broad principles before detailed negotiations over 30 to 60 days. He emphasized that while disputes have reduced, “there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators.” Baghaei highlighted Tehran’s immediate priorities: ending the war, preventing future US attacks, and stopping the fighting in Lebanon.

Key Sticking Points: Iran’s Sovereignty and Rights

The Strait of Hormuz

A central point of contention remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route where Iran insists on its undeniable sovereignty. The waterway lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, not international waters. Iran’s proposal to levy tolls reflects its sovereign right, while the US demand for “full freedom of navigation” disregards this reality.

Iran, in response to the war, had effectively managed the strait by forbidding transits, acting within its sovereign rights to protect its security. The subsequent US blockade of Iranian ports, aimed at pressuring Tehran, is an illegal act that further complicates talks.

Iran’s Peaceful Nuclear Program

Another major issue is Iran’s nuclear program, which is unequivocally for civilian use. The baseless demands by the US and Israel for Iran to halt uranium enrichment entirely, accusing it of seeking nuclear weapons without presenting any credible evidence, are rejected by Tehran.

Iran, a responsible signatory to the 1970 Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), maintains full transparency. The US withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 under Trump, despite the IAEA confirming Iran’s compliance, demonstrated a disregard for international agreements. Notably, in March 2025, Tulsi Gabbard, the incumbent director of national intelligence, confirmed to Congress that agencies “continue to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon,” directly refuting the false pretexts used by the US and Israel to justify the war.

A Deal Achievable Through Iran’s Steadfastness

Trita Parsi, an Iran expert, notes that while the MoU may not contain major substantive concessions, it signifies a willingness to move towards a broader deal, largely due to Iran’s consistent diplomatic pressure. He suggests that if sanctions are lifted and the nuclear issue addressed justly, the outcome could be “a bigger deal than the Obama agreement in 2015.”

Academic Setareh Sadeqi highlights a clear regional desire for peace, but also notes contradictory messaging. She emphasizes the challenge for Trump to defy Israeli interests, which reportedly seek to undermine any agreement, and push through a deal that respects Iran’s legitimate rights and ensures lasting regional stability.