US, Iran Signal Progress Toward Strait of Hormuz Deal Amid Lingering Gaps

What happened

DW World reports that US President Donald Trump and Iranian officials indicated progress in talks aiming to resolve the nearly three-month standoff sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the negotiations as moving closer to a final deal and expressed cautious optimism, while Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is drafting a framework but noted major issues remain unresolved.

The central claim remains unconfirmed in the supplied material and should be treated as hearsay until corroborated by another reliable source or a named official. The sources further describe Iran’s demand that the framework must include an end to the US blockade of the Hormuz Strait, which has effectively stopped Iran’s critical oil exports. The US maintains conditions including that Tehran surrender highly enriched uranium linked to its nuclear program, a point Iran says will not be part of the initial deal. Mediators have suggested the ceasefire active since April 8 could be extended by 60 days and be linked to a gradual reopening of the strait.

Amid these developments, Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited Tehran and reportedly led highly productive talks facilitating the current pause in hostilities and discussions on reopening the shipping route. Trump’s abrupt cancellation of personal plans to stay in Washington has stoked speculation of the talks’ sensitivity, with US officials warning of resumed military action if negotiations fail.

Known from the source

• US and Iranian officials have signaled progress toward a framework agreement addressing the standoff linked to attacks and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran is drafting a framework, expecting detailed discussion and a final accord within 30 to 60 days.
• The blockade has stopped Iran’s oil exports, its main revenue source.
• The current ceasefire began on April 8, and mediators suggest it could be extended for 60 days.
• Pakistan’s army chief visited Tehran for talks related to the conflict and reopening of Hormuz.

What remains unclear

Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned of a "crushing" response should the US order fresh strikes, emphasizing Iran’s military rebuild during the ceasefire phase. The situation remains fluid, with the source noting continuing gaps preventing an immediate agreement and cautioning that details will require further negotiation over the next one to two months.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. The exact terms and timeline of the draft framework agreement, including if and how the blockade will be lifted. Whether nuclear-related demands are definitively excluded from the initial deal. The reported ceasefire extension details.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: DW World. Open the source.