US President Donald Trump said an agreement with Iran had been “largely negotiated”, adding that details of the proposed deal — including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — would be announced soon.
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In a social media post on Saturday, Trump said he had held a “very good call” with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar regarding what he described as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE”.
“An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed,” Trump wrote.
He said the remaining details were still being discussed and would be made public shortly.
Hormuz reopening discussed
Trump did not provide specifics about the draft agreement, but said it would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and gas exports.
The US president has repeatedly insisted that any deal with Iran must ensure Tehran cannot obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump also said he had spoken by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday, describing the conversation as having gone “very well”.
Earlier in the day, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Washington had moved closer in their positions over the past week, although he cautioned that major disagreements remained.
Speaking on Iranian state television, Baqaei accused the US of making “contradictory statements” and warned that progress did not guarantee agreement on key issues.
Framework under discussion
Baqaei said Iran was seeking a deal “in the form of a framework” made up of 14 points. He added that both sides were finalising a memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for further talks within 30 to 60 days and eventually lead to a final agreement.
The renewed diplomatic momentum follows growing tensions in recent days.
On Friday, anonymous US officials told domestic media outlets that the administration was preparing for another round of military strikes, although no final decision had been taken.
Trump also posted on Truth Social that he would not attend his son Donald Trump Jr’s wedding this weekend because he needed to remain in Washington during what he called an “important period of time”.
Only last week, the president said the existing truce with Iran was on “massive life support” after rejecting Tehran’s demands as “totally unacceptable”.
Blockade and maritime tensions
The temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran began in early April.
The US has maintained a blockade of Iranian ports since 13 April. On Saturday, US Central Command said it had redirected 100 vessels, disabled four ships and allowed 26 humanitarian aid vessels to pass since the operation began.
Centcom commander Admiral Brad Cooper said US forces had been “highly effective” in preventing trade through Iranian ports and increasing economic pressure on Tehran.
At the same time, Iran has claimed military control over waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and stated that ships passing through the area require authorisation from the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
The US and its Gulf allies have rejected Iran’s claims over the strait, while Washington has instructed ships not to comply with Iranian regulations.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 May 2026
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