Iran and the United States appear to be nearing an agreement aimed at preventing a resurgence of conflict. Following Donald Trump’s announcement last night that a deal had largely been negotiated and the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, details of the draft agreement began to surface. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during his visit to India, expressed optimism, stating, “Maybe there is a chance that in the next few hours there will be some good news for the world.”<\/p>\n
According to the Tasnim news agency<\/strong>, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), US obstruction on certain clauses of a potential agreement with Iran, including the release of Tehran’s frozen assets, persists. This ongoing stonewalling raises the possibility of the agreement’s cancellation, Tasnim reported.<\/p>\n Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem voiced hope for an agreement between Iran, a key supporter of his group, and the United States, with Lebanon’s inclusion. “God willing, this agreement will be finalised and there are signs of its completion, and as a result we too will be among those who will be part of it: an agreement for the complete cessation of hostilities,” he declared in a televised address. The Iranian Tasnim news agency<\/strong> indicated that an MoU would first be announced, focusing on ending hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that US President Donald Trump reaffirmed support for Israel’s self-defense against threats, including Hezbollah.<\/p>\n Naim Qassem, Hezbollah’s leader, asserted in a speech that “surrendering” equates to “extermination!” L’Orient Le Jour quoted him saying, “We are facing an existential threat. The most Israel can ask for is the guarantee of security for its settlements, and the most Lebanon can ask for is security on both sides of the border.” This statement refers to the ongoing US-Iran draft agreement, which reportedly includes Lebanon.<\/p>\n (AP Photo\/Vahid Salemi)<\/em> An image depicts a woman holding a portrait of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, during a ceremony honoring armed forces and martyrs of the war against Israel and the United States, held at the Grand Mosque of Imam Khomeini in Tehran, Iran, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.<\/p>\n Emanuele Orsini, President of Confindustria, emphasized the critical importance of the Strait of Hormuz for Italy’s energy security. Speaking at the Trento Festival of Economics, he stated, “The risks for the economy are very important, and for remedies, the list is long. Now the problem is the priority… We hope, however, that a solution will be found in Hormuz because for us, of course, the energy chapter is one of the priority chapters… It is a node for our country.” Orsini reiterated Confindustria’s belief in the necessity of a single European energy market to improve Italy’s energy standing.<\/p>\n A US official informed Axios reporter Barak Ravid that “to our knowledge, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved the general framework of the agreement, but it remains to be seen whether this will result in a final agreement.”<\/p>\n US officials told Bloomberg news agency that any easing of US sanctions on Iran would be contingent on Tehran’s compliance with the agreement’s provisions. The timeline for Iran’s disposal of highly enriched uranium and a moratorium on enrichment are slated for later negotiations. Officials anticipate a significant commitment from Iran to cease enrichment as part of a final deal, aiming for a binding mechanism to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to cultivate a more productive bilateral relationship.<\/p>\n US President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran are “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner.” He instructed his representatives “not to rush into an agreement, as time is playing in our favour,” and stressed that “the blockade will remain fully in place until an agreement is reached, certified and signed.” Trump emphasized the need for both sides to “take their time and get it right,” adding that “Our relationship with Iran is becoming much more professional and productive. They must understand, however, that they cannot develop or procure a nuclear weapon or bomb.” He also thanked Middle Eastern countries for their cooperation, suggesting Iran might join the Abraham Accords. Trump contrasted the current negotiations with the “worst deal ever” signed by the Obama administration, claiming the current agreement is “exactly the opposite” of a path to nuclear weapons for Iran.<\/p>\n The Israeli army (IDF) has issued new evacuation notices for several communities in southern Lebanon, including Kfar Sir, Sir al-Gharbiyyeh, Zarariyeh, Ansar, Mazraat Kautariyet El Riz, and Al-Kharayeb. The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman instructed residents to maintain a distance of at least one kilometer from these areas, citing “continued ceasefire violations by Hezbollah force IDF to intervene.”<\/p>\n Despite ongoing US-Iran negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed US President Donald Trump that Israel would maintain its “freedom of action” against threats in Lebanon. An Israeli source, cited by SkyNews via Reuters, stated that Trump “reiterated and supported this principle.” This comes as Iranian state media reports that any agreement hinges on an end to all hostilities, including those in Lebanon.<\/p>\n Iran’s embassy in India responded to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks by stating, “The Islamic Republic of Iran considers the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology a legitimate and inalienable right of its people and stresses that it will never give up this legitimate and internationally recognised right.” Rubio had previously noted “significant, though not definitive, progress” in negotiations, expressing hope that Iran would not acquire nuclear weapons. Iran consistently maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.<\/p>\n The Iranian Tasnim news agency<\/strong> reported today that a preliminary agreement between Washington and Tehran would see an end to fighting between the US and Iran on all fronts, including Lebanon. US President Donald Trump had previously stated that a substantial agreement had been reached, with final details pending announcement. Should the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) become formal, it would reportedly cease conflicts between the US and its allies and Iran and its allies across all fronts, extending to the Israel-Lebanon conflict. Tasnim also noted Tehran’s insistence on the withdrawal of US troops from areas bordering Iran.<\/p>\n Amidst ongoing peace negotiations and Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s optimistic remarks about a deal, President Donald Trump adopted a starkly aggressive tone. On his Truth Social account, he shared a crude, AI-generated image depicting an American drone bombarding Iranian-flagged vessels in what appeared to be the Strait of Hormuz. The post was accompanied by the single Spanish word: “Adios.”<\/p>\n Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene a “restricted” security cabinet meeting tonight to discuss the impending US-Iran deal, as reported by The Times of Israel. Media reports suggest a draft agreement is nearing finalization, potentially stipulating an end to hostilities on all fronts, including Israeli actions in Lebanon. This clause is expected to displease Netanyahu, who advocates for Hezbollah’s complete disarmament. Israel has continued strikes in Lebanon despite a US-brokered ceasefire, while Hezbollah has launched rockets and drones at northern Israel and Israeli troops.<\/p>\n Regional officials indicate that the potential US-Iran agreement would include Iran’s commitment to not pursue nuclear weapons and to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. A source familiar with negotiations stated that the method of uranium disposal would be negotiated over 60 days, likely involving dilution of some quantity and transfer of the remainder to a third country, possibly Russia. The IAEA reports Iran possesses 440.9 kg of 60% enriched uranium, a step away from weapons-grade purity.<\/p>\n As a deal with the United States to end the war nears finalization, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared that Iran “does not intend to acquire nuclear weapons.” Local media quoted him saying, “We want to reassure the world that we are not trying to acquire nuclear weapons.” Pezeshkian also affirmed that Tehran’s negotiating team “will not compromise” on the “honour” and “dignity” of Iranians.<\/p>\n Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in an article for the Spanish daily Abc titled ‘Italia in the Hormuz crisis’, asserted that “the diplomatic route is the only one possible, and we reiterate that Tehran cannot equip itself with nuclear weapons or missile systems capable of further destabilising the region.” Tajani highlighted his continuous diplomatic efforts, including talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing the need for good-faith negotiations, IAEA cooperation, and regional dialogue to ensure peace and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.<\/p>\n Anna Maria Bernini advocates for “scientific democracy” as the optimal path for the Middle East’s future. She revealed a project to establish an Italian university in Gaza and Lebanon, detailing plans for site verification with local authorities from late August. Bernini also highlighted Italy’s involvement in the SESAME research project in Jordan, a synchrotron facility hosting scholars from various nations, including Iran, Palestine, and Israel. She concluded that “scientific democracy works and is the greatest detonator of peace we have at the moment.”<\/p>\n Channel 12, citing an Israeli political source, reported that during a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it was agreed that Israel would retain “freedom of action against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon,” in anticipation of a US-Iran MoU. The source added that Trump reaffirmed he would not sign a final agreement without “the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme and the removal of all enriched uranium from Iranian territory.”<\/p>\n European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed “the progress made towards an agreement between the United States and Iran” on X. She emphasized the need for a deal that “eases the tension of the conflict, reopens the Strait of Hormuz and guarantees full freedom of navigation without obstacles,” adding that Europe would continue to work for a lasting diplomatic solution and to mitigate the conflict’s impact on supply chains and energy prices.<\/p>\n The Iranian Tasnim news agency<\/strong>, citing an “informed source,” reported “still divergences between Iran and the United States over one or two clauses for a possible memorandum of understanding.” The source warned that “if US obstructionism persists, there will be no chance of finalising the memorandum of understanding.”<\/p>\n The Lebanese Civil Defence announced that its regional center in Nabatiyeh, southern Lebanon, was destroyed by an Israeli air attack. The General Directorate of Civil Defence stated the center was “directly hit,” leading to its complete collapse and significant damage to vehicles and equipment. No staff injuries were reported as personnel had been relocated prior to the attack. The Civil Defence condemned the strike on a humanitarian facility and vowed to continue its duties despite risks. This incident follows previous attacks on aid workers and facilities, even after a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. The Lebanese Ministry of Health has recorded 123 aid worker and medical personnel deaths since the war began on March 2, following the Israeli-US attack on Iran on February 28.<\/p>\n Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in an article for the Spanish daily Abc, stated that Italy “could contribute to mining operations and to the safety of commercial shipping” in the Strait of Hormuz as part of a “multilateral mission” post-conflict. He emphasized that the strait’s blockade poses a “global shock” with significant repercussions, especially for an export-dependent nation like Italy. Rome is prepared to leverage its experience from European naval missions, including the Aspides mission in the Red Sea. Tajani reiterated that diplomacy is the “only possible way” to resolve the Middle East conflict, stressing that “lasting peace” requires stability in Lebanon. Italy supports US-mediated dialogue between Israel and Beirut and has offered to host direct talks, while also reaffirming that “Tehran cannot equip itself with nuclear weapons or missile systems.”<\/p>\n Al Arabiya, citing authoritative sources, reported that the potential preliminary agreement between Iran and the United States would be named the “Declaration of Islamabad.” This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would be announced by Pakistan, without the direct presence of negotiating parties, and would pave the way for subsequent negotiations on a final agreement. Washington and Tehran are expected to dispatch their delegation heads once final agreement talks commence, with the next round of discussions potentially scheduled for June 5.<\/p>\n The Iranian news agency Fars<\/strong> reported that the draft agreement between Tehran and Washington includes mutual non-aggression pledges: the US and its allies would refrain from attacking Iran or its allies, while Iran would commit not to launch reprisal attacks against the US, its regional interests, or its allies.<\/p>\n Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a confined government meeting for this evening. He is expected to elaborate on his conversation with US President Donald Trump concerning the US-Iran negotiations and their potential implications for the Israeli-Lebanese border.<\/p>\n Opposition MP Benny Gantz, a former security minister and chief of staff, posted on X that “Accepting the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon as part of an agreement with Iran would be a strategic mistake that we would pay for years to come. It is precisely in this case that Israel must say to the United States: no.” He emphasized Israel’s duty to protect its border communities, which are “only a few hundred metres from Metula, Shlomi and Misgav Am,” irrespective of external factors.<\/p>\n US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in New Delhi, indicated that “In the last 48 hours progress has been made on Hormuz and there is the possibility of good news in the next few hours on the strait.” He suggested that an announcement regarding a deal with Iran could be made today, stating, “I think it’s possible that, in the next few hours, the world will get some good news.”<\/p>\n Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that “No decision will be made without the permission of the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei,” concerning the potential US-Iran agreement. The Iranian news agency Fars<\/strong> quoted Pezeshkian, who also emphasized that “when a decision is made in the diplomatic arena, all institutions, platforms and currents must support it so that a unified and cohesive voice from Iran reaches the world.”<\/p>\n #IranUSDeal #HormuzStrait #NuclearNegotiations #MiddleEastPeace #Hezbollah #Sanctions #Diplomacy #IsraelLebanon #TrumpAdministration #InternationalRelations<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Progress Towards Iran-US Agreement Amidst Uncertainty Iran and the United States appear to be nearing an agreement aimed at preventing a resurgence of conflict. Following Donald Trump’s announcement last night that a deal had largely been negotiated and the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, details of the draft agreement began to surface. US Secretary […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":27717,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-27716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-iran-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=27716"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27716\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/27717"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=27716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=27716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fajr.news\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=27716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Hezbollah Hopes for Lebanon’s Inclusion in Iran-US Deal<\/h3>\n
Hezbollah Leader: ‘Surrender Means Extermination’<\/h3>\n
Contextual Image: Iran’s Supreme Leader Honored<\/h3>\n
Confindustria: Hormuz Strait a Key Energy Priority<\/h3>\n
Khamenei Reportedly Approves General Framework of Deal<\/h3>\n
Sanctions Relief Contingent on Iran’s Compliance and Uranium Disposal<\/h3>\n
Trump: Iran Negotiations Proceeding Deliberately, Sanctions Remain<\/h3>\n
IDF Issues New Evacuation Warnings in South Lebanon<\/h3>\n
Netanyahu Asserts Israel’s ‘Freedom of Action’ in Lebanon<\/h3>\n
Iran Reaffirms ‘Inalienable Right’ to Peaceful Nuclear Technology<\/h3>\n
Preliminary Iran-US Agreement to End Hostilities on All Fronts, Including Lebanon<\/h3>\n
Trump Posts Aggressive ‘Adios’ Image Amidst Peace Talks<\/h3>\n
Netanyahu Convenes Security Cabinet to Discuss US-Iran Deal<\/h3>\n
Key Terms of Potential Iran-US Deal: Nuclear Commitment and Uranium Disposal<\/h3>\n
Iranian President Pezeshkian: No Intention to Acquire Nuclear Weapons<\/h3>\n
Italian FM Tajani: Diplomacy is the Only Path, Iran Must Not Go Nuclear<\/h3>\n
Bernini Proposes ‘Scientific Democracy’ for Middle East Peace, Italian University in Gaza and Lebanon<\/h3>\n
Trump Assures Netanyahu on Israel’s ‘Freedom of Action’ and Iran’s Nuclear Dismantlement<\/h3>\n
Von der Leyen Welcomes US-Iran Progress, Calls for Reopening Hormuz<\/h3>\n
Tasnim: Iran-US MoU Still Faces ‘One or Two Clauses’ Disagreement<\/h3>\n
Lebanese Civil Defence Center Destroyed in Israeli Air Attack<\/h3>\n
Italy Offers Contribution to Hormuz Security Post-Conflict, Advocates for Diplomacy<\/h3>\n
‘Declaration of Islamabad’: Proposed Name for Iran-US Preliminary Agreement<\/h3>\n
Fars News: Draft Agreement Includes Non-Aggression Pledges<\/h3>\n
Netanyahu to Brief Cabinet on Trump Call Regarding Iran Deal and Lebanon Border<\/h3>\n
Gantz Warns Against Halting Lebanon Hostilities in Iran Deal<\/h3>\n
Rubio Anticipates ‘Good News’ on Hormuz and Iran Deal Soon<\/h3>\n
Pezeshkian: Khamenei’s Authorization Essential for Iran-US Deal<\/h3>\n