US and Iran Outline Mutual Steps in Nuclear Talks

Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Friday that Tehran would only trust Washington's actions, not its words, according to posts on X reported by AFP and the Jerusalem Post. Ghalibaf wrote that Iran places no trust in guarantees or words and will only act after the other side moves first.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Omani counterpart that reaching an agreement depends on ending excessive U.S. demands and shifting positions, according to a ministry statement cited by Al-Monitor. Al-Monitor reported that Iran says it is waiting for Washington to act.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters Thursday that a lot of progress had been made, according to reports citing U.S. sources. Those sources told AFP that the draft deal required only Trump's sign-off.

Iranian state media reported that 24 ships transited the strait in the past 24 hours in coordination with the Revolutionary Guards. The same reports warned that ships from hostile countries would face a severe response.

President Donald Trump wrote in a social media post that he would meet in the Situation Room to make a final determination. He reiterated demands that Iran forgo nuclear weapons and open the strait. Trump added that Tehran would remove mines, the United States would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports, and both sides would coordinate on removing enriched uranium.

On the Lebanon front, Lebanon's culture minister told AFP that Israeli forces struck a medieval castle overlooking Nabatieh. Both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the April 17 ceasefire.

Energy markets reacted to the diplomatic signals, with oil prices easing slightly and Asian stock markets rising on Friday.