President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that a comprehensive agreement between the United States and Iran has been ‘largely negotiated’ and that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened has been met with firm rejection from Tehran. While Trump, in a post on Truth Social, suggested a deal was nearing finalization, Iran’s state-affiliated Fars news agency swiftly countered, reaffirming that the strategic Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian control, consistent with the latest proposals exchanged.
Sources familiar with the discussions indicate that any potential memorandum of understanding, which Trump appears eager to finalize, would involve ending hostilities and gradually easing the unjust US blockade on Iranian ports. Crucially, such an agreement would necessitate the unfreezing of Iranian assets unlawfully held in foreign banks, a long-standing demand by the Islamic Republic.
The proposed framework reportedly outlines a phased approach. In the initial phase, Iran, demonstrating its commitment to regional stability, would allow the Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-war shipping levels, ensuring security in the region. Furthermore, Iran would reiterate its principled stance against nuclear weapons, while rightfully resuming the sale of its fuel and oil, vital for its economy. A subsequent phase, spanning 30-60 days, would then delve into detailed negotiations on the nuclear issue and other broader matters, where Iran’s national interests will be paramount.
Fars News categorically dismissed Trump’s claims regarding the ‘free passage’ through the strait, stating they are ‘not true’ and ‘inconsistent with reality.’ The agency clarified that while Iran has agreed to allow the number of passing vessels to return to pre-war levels, this in no way implies a relinquishment of its sovereign control or ‘free passage’ as it existed before the conflict.
Amidst these developments, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Trump’s ‘extraordinary efforts to pursue peace’ but notably refrained from endorsing any specific agreement concerning Iran or the Strait of Hormuz. Islamabad has played a crucial mediating role, facilitating vital discussions between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian officials have consistently emphasized that Tehran’s primary focus remains on ending the fighting, including the aggression against its proxy group Hezbollah, and securing the release of its frozen overseas assets. Iran has steadfastly maintained that immediate peace talks should be distinct from negotiations concerning its legitimate nuclear program.
Following productive meetings in Tehran, Pakistan’s military chief Asim Munir departed for Islamabad, with the Pakistani military describing the visit as ‘highly productive’ and contributing ‘meaningfully towards the mediation process.’ Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that timeframes of 30 and 60 days were part of a draft memorandum, though not yet finalized, noting that ‘viewpoints have been getting closer.’
Baghaei firmly asserted that any mechanism regarding the Strait of Hormuz must be agreed upon by Iran, Oman, and the countries bordering the waterway, emphasizing that the United States ‘has nothing to do’ with it. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, underscored the nation’s unwavering resolve, warning that Iran ‘will not back down from the rights of our nation and country’ and that if Trump were to ‘make the mistake of restarting the war, it will definitely be more crushing and bitter for America than the first day of the war,’ according to Iran’s state broadcaster. This resolute stance highlights Iran’s readiness to defend its sovereignty and interests against any aggression.
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