U.S. and Iran Discuss Memorandum on Ending Conflict and Managing Strait of Hormuz

Donald Trump stated that a deal with Iran to end the conflict is close. The president described the document under discussion as a memorandum of understanding that would bar Iran from developing or purchasing nuclear weapons.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressed the Strait of Hormuz directly. “The old free system is over. Future management will not be like the past,” Araghchi said. Iran’s position, according to Araghchi, is that the strait falls under the sovereignty of Iran and Oman and is not an international waterway.

Iran’s demands include the lifting of international sanctions, the release of frozen assets, and formal recognition of its control over the strait.

Tensions around the waterway continued. A U.S. official said U.S. forces shot down two Iranian one-way attack drones after Tehran attempted to strike commercial ships. Iranian state media reported that Iran’s military stopped a tanker from transiting the strait and that explosions were heard early Friday.

The two sides exchanged strikes earlier this week, testing an April ceasefire. Trump said large parts of the agreement have been finalized, though Iran has not reached a final conclusion and will not compromise on stated red lines. The agreement under discussion must also address removal of enriched material, dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limits on missile output, and an end to support for regional proxies.

Araghchi stated that Iran is dealing with people “who don’t keep their promises.” He also said Iran “will never leave Hezbollah in Lebanon alone.”

Trump said the agreement had been approved by several Middle East governments. One regional government stated it was not a party to the memorandum but expressed appreciation for commitments on enriched material, enrichment infrastructure, missile limits, and proxy support.

The conflict has become a political issue for U.S. officials, with polls showing declining approval ratings linked to higher gasoline prices. Some members of the governing party have expressed concern that the war’s unpopularity could affect November midterm election outcomes.