US, Iran Discuss Draft Strait of Hormuz Deal Amid Nuclear Talks

The United States and Iran are discussing a draft framework that could reopen shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz and revive nuclear negotiations, as disruptions in the strategic waterway continue to affect global energy markets.

As roughly 20% of global oil shipments pass through the Strait of Hormuz, renewed diplomacy between Washington and Tehran has raised hopes among the countries edged to face near energy and economic bankruptcy.

On Saturday, President Donald Trump said a memorandum of understanding had been “largely negotiated,” though Iranian media disputed his characterization that the arrangement would fully reopen the strait under international access terms.

The proposed framework reportedly includes sanctions relief, the reopening of Iranian ports and negotiations on uranium enrichment limits in exchange for commitments from Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons.

Iran Pushes for Sanctions Relief

Iran has maintained that it retains the right to enrich uranium for civilian purposes, arguing that its nuclear program is intended for energy, medical and research activities. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said Tehran’s nuclear program “only serves peaceful purposes” and that nuclear weapons have “no place” in Iran’s doctrine.

Iranian officials have also accused Western governments of attempting to restrict the country’s technological and sovereign rights through sanctions and international pressure.

Tehran is seeking the removal of U.S. sanctions on oil exports, an end to restrictions affecting its ports and guarantees against future military strikes, according to officials familiar with the negotiations cited in the reports. Iranian officials have additionally pushed to retain oversight authority in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.

A major sticking point remains Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses more than 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, close to weapons-grade levels of 90%.

The IAEA has repeatedly said Iran is the only non-nuclear weapons state enriching uranium up to 60% purity. Western governments argue those enrichment levels exceed credible civilian requirements and significantly reduce the time needed to potentially develop a nuclear weapon.

Tehran has resisted U.S. proposals to transfer the material abroad, though Iranian officials have previously indicated openness to diluting portions of the stockpile under IAEA supervision.

Iran’s tougher negotiating position has also been shaped by security concerns following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities earlier in the conflict. Iranian leaders argue that surrendering enriched uranium without security guarantees could leave the country vulnerable to future attacks.

Trump’s Messaging Shifted During the Conflict

Since the conflict began in February 2026, Trump has alternated between military warnings and calls for renewed diplomacy with Iran.

Following the initial U.S. and Israeli strikes, Trump said military action was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and warned Tehran against retaliatory attacks.

By March and April 2026, however, the administration increasingly emphasized diplomatic negotiations as oil prices rose and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz affected global shipping and insurance costs.

In public remarks and posts on Truth Social during that period, Trump said a negotiated settlement remained possible while also warning of stronger military action if talks collapsed.

The administration also appeared to soften its position on some sanctions measures during the negotiations. Reuters reported that discussions included possible sanctions waivers, reopening Iranian ports and allowing limited Iranian oil exports in exchange for nuclear concessions.

Trump’s latest comments on May 23 described the emerging agreement as “largely negotiated” and suggested the Strait of Hormuz would reopen under the proposed arrangement, though Iranian media disputed that interpretation.

Why Washington Wants a Deal

The United States is seeking limits on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, particularly by restricting uranium enrichment and reducing highly enriched uranium stockpiles, according to U.S. officials cited in the reports.

Washington has argued that Iran’s current enrichment levels go beyond civilian energy requirements and raise concerns about potential weapons development.

The Trump administration is also seeking stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route through which roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption passes. Disruptions during the conflict contributed to higher oil prices, increased inflation concerns and rising shipping insurance costs.

Analysts say a potential agreement could help reduce risks of further escalation in the region while easing pressure on global energy markets. However, negotiations remain ongoing, and neither Washington nor Tehran has announced a finalized agreement.

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