The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching fresh negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to US officials.
The proposed agreement, however, still requires approval from US President Donald Trump before it can move forward.
Speaking during a White House press briefing on Thursday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the outcome ultimately depends on the President’s decision.
“Everything depends on what the president wants to do,” Bessent said. “And President Donald Trump is not going to make a bad deal for the American people.”
According to US officials cited by international media, the tentative understanding would ease restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz — a key global oil shipping route — while initiating a new 60-day negotiation period focused on Iran’s nuclear programme.
US Vice President JD Vance said discussions were continuing, noting that “a couple of language points” remained under negotiation, but added that both sides were making progress.
Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the reported agreement.
The developments come amid continued tensions in the region. US Central Command said Iran fired a ballistic missile toward Kuwait late Wednesday, but it was intercepted before impact.
Iran’s military had earlier claimed responsibility for attacks targeting an American air base, saying the strikes were retaliation for recent US military action.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through the route. Any agreement to reopen or stabilise access is expected to have major implications for global energy markets and regional security. (Newswire)