US, Iran strike upbeat tone as Hormuz deal takes shape

The United States and Iran signaled progress on Saturday toward a framework agreement that could end a nearly three-month standoff triggered by US and Israeli attacks on Iran and the shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz . The step forward comes as global pressure grows to avert a wider regional conflict, with mediators saying both sides are inching closer to a workable de-escalation plan. US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that an agreement had been "largely negotiated, sub

"Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly," Trump said, adding that "the Strait of Hormuz will be opened." The US president also mentioned that he had previously held talks with representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, as well as a a separate telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Before that, Trump told CBS News that the two sides were "getting a lot closer" to finalizing a deal. He refused to give specifics about the plan, but said that "every day it gets better and better." In a separate interview with US news outlet Axios, Trump said the chance of an agreement was a "solid 50/50," while threatening to "blow them to kingdom come" if talks fail. Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of " slight progress" in negotiations, adding that "there might be some news a little later today," although it may come on Sunday or within "a couple of days." Speaking during a visit to India, Rubio also refused to rule out a resumption of US attacks on Iran if negotiations fail. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, meanwhile, told state broadcaster IRIB that Tehran was in the final stages of drafting a framework for a deal, but said a final accord would take more time. "Within a reasonable period of 30 to 60 days, the details of these points will be discussed and a final agreement will ultimately be concluded," Baqaei told IRIB. He added that major gaps remain between both sides and that an end to the US blockade of Hormuz be part of the framework. The blockade has halted Iran's oil exports, the main source of income for the Islamic Republic. While Rubio restated US demands that Tehran hand over highly enriched uranium linked to Iran's controversial nuclear program, Baqaei insisted nuclear talks would not be part of the initial deal. Also on Saturday, the Financial Times cited mediators as saying both sides were close to a deal on extending the ceasefire, which began on April 8, for 60 days. That deal would include a gradual reopening of Hormuz, the report said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The renewed optimism from both sides came hours after Pakistan's powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, held talks with Iranian leaders in Tehran.

Key points

• "Final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly," Trump said, adding that "the Strait of Hormuz will be opened." The US president also mentioned…
• Before that, Trump told CBS News that the two sides were "getting a lot closer" to finalizing a deal.
• He refused to give specifics about the plan, but said that "every day it gets better and better." In a separate interview with US news outlet Axios, Trump said the chance of an agreement was a "sol…
• Earlier in the day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of " slight progress" in negotiations, adding that "there might be some news a little later today," although it may come on Sunday or wit…
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, meanwhile, told state broadcaster IRIB that Tehran was in the final stages of drafting a framework for a deal, but said a final accord would take…