U.S. and Iran Edge Closer to Framework Deal to End Conflict as Trump Pauses Hormuz Operation

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran are making tangible progress toward a framework agreement that would formally end the two-month-old conflict, with both sides reviewing a proposed one-page memorandum of understanding that would pause major hostilities and open the door to detailed negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and Iran’s nuclear program.

According to multiple reports, the latest proposal — conveyed through Pakistani intermediaries — would formally conclude active fighting while deferring the most contentious issues, including verifiable limits on Iran’s nuclear activities, to a subsequent 30-day negotiating window. President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had received Iran’s latest offer and described the talks as “very good” over the past 24 hours, adding, “it’s very possible that we’ll make a deal.”

In a notable de-escalatory step, Trump announced he is pausing “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military operation launched to guide stranded commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The pause is intended to give diplomacy breathing room. Trump has maintained the naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in place until a comprehensive agreement is reached, but he has signaled openness to a phased approach.

Iranian officials confirmed they are reviewing the U.S. response to their 14-point proposal. Tehran has insisted on separating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of global seaborne oil — from immediate nuclear concessions, treating the waterway issue as a confidence-building measure. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other senior figures have described the talks as advancing, though they continue to demand the lifting of the U.S. blockade as a precondition for broader discussions.

Pakistani mediators have played a central role, shuttling proposals between Washington and Tehran. Sources familiar with the process say the one-page memorandum, if agreed upon, would formally end the conflict and trigger more detailed talks on sanctions relief, the reopening of the strait, and nuclear curbs.

Trump has repeatedly warned that failure to reach an acceptable deal would trigger renewed and more intense military action. He has emphasized that Iran must commit to never acquiring nuclear weapons, stating the regime “has not yet paid a big enough price” for its actions over the past 47 years.

The ceasefire, first announced in early April and later extended indefinitely, has prevented large-scale fighting but has been strained by repeated incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, including Iranian gunboat activity and U.S. enforcement of the blockade. Oil prices remain elevated due to the disruptions, contributing to higher fuel costs for American families and businesses.

Behind-the-scenes diplomacy has intensified in recent days, with indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan appearing to narrow differences on sequencing the issues. While no final agreement has been reached and significant gaps remain — particularly on the nuclear file — multiple sources indicate the two sides are closer to a breakthrough than at any point since the conflict began.

The administration continues to insist that any lasting deal must address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional destabilization activities. For now, the blockade remains fully operational, and U.S. forces stay on high alert.

The coming days will determine whether the latest proposals can bridge the remaining gaps or whether the fragile ceasefire gives way to renewed confrontation.