#USIranDraftDeal

🚨 US-Iran Draft Deal: What You Need to Know as of May 25, 2026

After months of conflict and intense behind-the-scenes diplomacy, the United States and Iran appear to be inching closer to a draft peace agreement but the picture is far from clear, and both sides are telling very different stories about what it actually means.

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of where things stand right now:

🔴 Trump's Claim: "Largely Negotiated"

On Saturday, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that an agreement between the US, Iran, and several regional countries had been "largely negotiated" and that the Strait of Hormuz the critical shipping chokepoint closed since the war began on February 28 would be reopened. He described the document as a "Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE."

Trump held calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, and said a separate call with Israeli PM Netanyahu "went very well." Regional diplomats on the call described the discussions as "very positive."

However, before the calls, Trump told Axios the chances of reaching a deal were a "solid 50/50" and warned that if talks fail, the US could choose to "blow them to kingdom come."

🟡 Iran's Response: "Not What Trump Says"

Iran has pushed back hard against Trump's framing. The semi-official Tasnim news agency confirmed that some progress has been made on a roadmap to end the war, with the US waiving sanctions on Iranian oil during negotiations. But Tasnim explicitly stated that Iran has NOT yet accepted any actions on its nuclear programme.

Even more significantly, Fars News Agency which is linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards called Trump's claims about the Strait of Hormuz "inconsistent with reality." Fars reported that Iran would allow vessel traffic to return to pre-war levels, but this does NOT mean "free passage" as existed before. Iran insists on maintaining sovereignty over the waterway.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the current proposal as a "framework agreement" or MoU that would first establish broad principles, with details negotiated over 30 to 60 days. He said disputes have reduced this week but "there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators," and the situation would become clearer in the "next three or four days."

📋 What the Draft Reportedly Includes

Based on multiple sources, the proposed MoU reportedly covers:

• A 60-day temporary ceasefire extendable by mutual consent, including a mutual "no attack" pledge
• Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for shipping (disputed terms)
• Ending the US blockade on Iranian ports
• US sanctions relief: easing on Iranian ports and oil sales, possible oil waivers, unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad
• Iran allowed to resume sale of fuel and oil
• Iranian commitment not to pursue or develop nuclear weapons (but nuclear details pushed to later phase)
• Iran NOT yet agreeing to surrender its stockpile of highly enriched uranium
• Broader regional de-escalation linked to Lebanon and wider Middle East conflict

The deal is expected to unfold in two phases: Phase 1 — ceasefire, Hormuz reopening, basic nuclear assurances; Phase 2 (30–60 days) detailed nuclear negotiations and other issues.

⚠️ Major Sticking Points

Strait of Hormuz: This is the biggest flashpoint. Nearly one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG once passed through this waterway. Iran closed it after the war started, and the US responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Now Iran wants sovereignty and the right to manage/toll the strait, while the US demands full freedom of navigation. The gap between "Iran manages it" and "free passage for all" remains enormous.

Nuclear Programme: The US and Israel want Iran to halt enrichment entirely and surrender its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Iran insists its programme is civilian only and has NOT agreed to any nuclear concessions yet. The NYT reported an "apparent commitment" by Iran to surrender HEU but Iran's own media denies this. This issue is deliberately pushed to Phase 2, meaning it could blow up the entire deal later.

Israel's Concern: Netanyahu's team is worried about a narrow interim deal that extends the ceasefire and eases sanctions without addressing the nuclear issue Israel's top priority. The US has reassured Israel on uranium, but the details remain unresolved.

🇵🇰 Pakistan's Role

Pakistan has been the key mediator, with PM Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir involved in facilitating indirect talks between Washington and Tehran. Sharif congratulated Trump on "extraordinary efforts to pursue peace" but notably did not reference any specific agreement.

🇺🇸 Domestic Pushback

Not everyone in Washington is celebrating. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the reported deal "Not remotely America First." Senator Lindsey Graham warned that perceiving Iran as a "force requiring a diplomatic solution" could shift the regional balance of power and become "a nightmare for Israel." Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker urged Trump to "finish what we started" rather than pursue a deal "not worth the paper it is written on."

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to Pompeo with a profane dismissal, telling him to "shut his stupid mouth and leave the real work to the professionals."

📊 What to Watch Next

• Trump's decision within days on whether to accept the draft or resume military options
• Whether Iran formally accepts the MoU or rejects it over Hormuz/nuclear disagreements
• Oil market volatility Hormuz reopening would significantly impact global crude prices
• Israel's reaction if nuclear concessions are deferred to Phase 2
• The next 3–4 days will be critical Baghaei said that's when the picture will become clearer

Bottom line: This is a potential breakthrough, but it's fragile. Both sides are publicly contradicting each other on key terms. The deal addresses the immediate crisis (ceasefire, Hormuz, sanctions) but kicks the hardest issues (nuclear, sovereignty, long-term peace) to later negotiations. One misstep in Phase 2 could unravel everything.

Stay tuned. The next 72 hours will determine whether this becomes a historic turning point or another failed diplomatic effort in a conflict that has already reshaped the Middle East.

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