Iran has reportedly agreed to halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in a proposed peace arrangement that would also see the release of about $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets, in a deal said to be brokered with the involvement of US President Donald Trump.
Details of the tentative agreement were released by Iranian officials on Sunday, who described cautious optimism that a breakthrough could bring an end to months of escalating regional tensions, according to reports cited by the New York Post.
Major Shift In Nuclear And Maritime Standoff
Under the reported framework, Iran would commit to abandoning efforts to develop nuclear weapons while also restoring full maritime access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
In return, the United States would unfreeze approximately $25 billion in Iranian assets and ease restrictions on Iranian-linked vessels operating in the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly a fifth of global oil shipments, has experienced significant disruption since the outbreak of hostilities, sending shockwaves through international energy markets.
Trump, Pakistan And Mediation Efforts
On Saturday, President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that an agreement could be signed imminently, with expectations that the strait would reopen immediately upon signing.
Pakistani officials said the proposal includes a 60-day framework for further technical negotiations between Washington and Tehran, even though it does not fully resolve long-standing disputes between both nations.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry also suggested that progress could be made within days, though it stressed that final arrangements were still under discussion.
Diplomatic Movements In Geneva
Qatari mediators reportedly arrived in Tehran on Sunday morning to assist in coordinating final stages of the talks in collaboration with US officials.
A signing ceremony is being considered in Geneva, Switzerland — the same city where earlier rounds of US-Iran discussions were held before the latest escalation in tensions.
US Vice President JD Vance is expected to lead the American delegation, while Iran may be represented by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who serves as the country’s chief negotiator.
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However, uncertainty remains over whether both sides will meet as planned, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry stating there are no confirmed travel arrangements for its delegation at this stage.
Regional Tensions Continue Alongside Talks
Despite diplomatic progress, tensions in the region remain high.
Israel’s military said on Sunday that it carried out strikes on Hezbollah positions in Beirut, describing the operation as retaliation for attacks on northern Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in the Lebanese capital.
Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, has previously responded to Israeli strikes with missile attacks on Israeli territory.
Tehran has also maintained that any broader ceasefire agreement with Washington must include an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon, highlighting the complexity of reaching a comprehensive regional settlement.