A possible agreement between the United States and Iran remains unresolved as both sides continue to negotiate the terms of a ceasefire extension and broader discussions over Tehran’s nuclear program. Despite reports suggesting that a breakthrough could be close, neither government has formally approved the proposed deal.
According to NBC News, United States President Donald Trump held a Situation Room meeting on Friday to consider the agreement but did not announce a final decision after the discussions ended. Trump has said Iran must agree that it will never obtain a nuclear weapon and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted commercial shipping.
The president has also called for any mines placed in the strategic waterway to be removed. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, and its closure has contributed to a major increase in oil prices during the conflict.
Iranian officials have criticized the American position. According to NBC News, senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei accused Trump of delaying diplomacy through excessive demands and the continuation of a naval blockade. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei also said that a final understanding has not yet been reached.
A senior Arab official involved in the negotiations told NBC News that American and Iranian representatives had agreed to the basic terms of a truce in Doha several days earlier. However, the official said both sides had delayed formally approving and announcing the agreement.
The proposed arrangement is expected to extend the ceasefire that has largely remained in place since early April, although both sides have accused each other of continuing limited attacks. American officials have said the White House is also considering a plan to begin 60 days of discussions focused on Iran’s nuclear program.
United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump was taking a patient approach and wanted an agreement that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Speaking at the Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore, Hegseth also said the United States remains prepared to restart military action if negotiations collapse.
Oil markets have responded to the possibility of a deal. According to NBC News, Brent crude fell to approximately $92 per barrel on Friday and declined nearly 20 per cent during May as investors became more optimistic that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen.
Before the blockade, approximately 20 per cent of the world’s oil passed through the waterway. A reopening of the strait could ease pressure on global energy markets, but the outcome will depend on whether Washington and Tehran can resolve their remaining disagreements.
