The United States and Iran are reportedly approaching an agreement that would bring an end to ongoing hostilities and lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global energy shipments. Iranian officials would also agree to relinquish their stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of the deal, according to regional sources familiar with the matter.
U.S. President Donald Trump cautioned negotiators against rushing into a deal despite progress, describing discussions as orderly and constructive. He emphasized that relations with Iran have become more professional and productive, pushing back on domestic critics calling for a harder stance. The president confirmed that a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports remains fully in effect until any agreement is finalized and certified.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to alleviate a recent global energy crisis triggered by the closure of the waterway, which followed U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Energy prices for oil, gas, and related products surged as a result. Experts suggest it could still take weeks or months for shipping routes and global prices to stabilize once the strait resumes normal activity.
Key details of the proposed deal include how Iran would handle its enriched uranium. Reports indicate Tehran would commit to handing over part of its highly enriched uranium stockpile within a 60-day period under close negotiation. Some of the uranium would be diluted to lower enrichment levels, while the remainder might be transferred to a third country, with Russia reportedly offering to accept the material. A U.S. official confirmed that sanctions relief would only occur once Iran surrenders this uranium stockpile.
The current uranium stockpile held by Iran is about 440.9 kilograms enriched up to 60 percent, nearing weapons-grade levels defined as roughly 90 percent. While Iran has not publicly agreed to give up this material, Iranian leadership maintains that its nuclear activities are peaceful and asserts its right to nuclear technology. Iranian officials have publicly denied interest in attaining nuclear weapons.