Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between Iran and the United States appear to be entering a critical phase, with negotiators reporting progress on several major issues while continuing to face disagreements on some of the most sensitive areas.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the conflict is now closer than at any previous stage of negotiations.
His comments come as both governments seek to build support for a potential agreement that could reduce tensions, restore trade flows and improve stability across the Middle East.
However, Araghchi urged media organisations to avoid speculation about the contents of the agreement until negotiations are formally completed.
Talks reach an advanced stage
The proposed memorandum is currently being reviewed by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader, suggesting that discussions have moved beyond preliminary negotiations.
Araghchi has presented the agreement as a diplomatic achievement for Iran but declined to reveal details of the ongoing talks.
The latest developments follow comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who shared Araghchi’s statement on Truth Social after previously dismissing reports in Iranian state media that claimed to reveal elements of the proposed agreement.
Trump described those reports as “fake news”.
Strait of Hormuz progress, sanctions remain a challenge
According to Araghchi, negotiators have reached preliminary understandings on several important issues, including the future of the Strait of Hormuz and access to Iran’s frozen assets.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and energy exports. Any agreement involving the waterway would be closely watched by global markets, shipping companies and energy importers.
Despite progress in those areas, major differences remain over Iran’s nuclear programme and the removal of sanctions.
These issues continue to be among the most difficult parts of the negotiations and are expected to determine whether a final agreement can be reached.
Araghchi said both sides are considering an additional 60-day period of talks to resolve the remaining disputes.
If successful, the negotiations could pave the way for a broader agreement aimed at delivering long-term stability, reopening trade channels and reducing uncertainty in global energy markets.
Last modified: June 13, 2026
