Washington, May 24 (SANA) Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran gained momentum over the weekend amid signs of progress in talks that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and broader negotiations on regional security and Tehran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump said a memorandum of understanding with Iran had been “largely negotiated,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio pointed to progress in discussions involving regional partners.
Reports circulating in regional and international media suggested the emerging framework could include a temporary extension of the ceasefire, unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of Iranian oil exports.
Despite the diplomatic progress, major disagreements remain over Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iranian officials have indicated the issue is not part of the preliminary understanding currently under discussion, while Washington continues to view nuclear restrictions as central to any long-term agreement.
Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt have all been linked to mediation efforts aimed at narrowing differences between the two sides.
Pakistani officials described recent developments as encouraging, while regional leaders continued to stress diplomacy as the preferred path toward de-escalation.
Israeli and U.S. media reports indicated growing concern in Israel over the possibility of an interim agreement that could delay resolution of disputes related to Iran’s nuclear activities.
Western governments are also discussing potential post-agreement security arrangements in the Gulf, reflecting the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments.
Analysts say any agreement leading to the reopening of the waterway could ease pressure on energy markets and reduce regional security tensions.
While optimism has grown in recent days, negotiations remain subject to final approval and several key issues have yet to be resolved.
kA.ABD
