Iran says it is in the concluding phase of a protocol for a peace agreement with the U.S. [1].

This development could stabilize global energy markets and reduce military tensions in the Middle East by reopening the Strait of Hormuz and removing U.S. troops from the region [3, 4].

Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on May 23, 2026, that the two nations are in the phase of conclusion of a protocol for a peace agreement [1]. Baqaei said the deal is closer than ever to completion [1].

However, the timeline for a final signature remains a point of contention. On May 25, 2026, a spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry said the agreement is not imminent due to frequent changes in the U.S. stance [2]. This contradicts earlier optimism regarding the speed of the negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the agreement could take a few days [5]. Despite these conflicting reports on imminence, recent data suggests continued movement toward a resolution. A report on June 12, 2026, stated that the U.S. and Iran have made progress toward a provisional peace agreement specifically designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz [3].

According to Iranian officials, the proposed peace framework includes reparations, and the full withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region [4]. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical strategic focus of the negotiations due to its role as a primary artery for global oil shipments [3].

Tehran has maintained that while the protocol is in its final stages, the volatility of U.S. diplomatic positions has hindered a definitive date for the signing [2].

“We are in the phase of conclusion of a protocol for a peace agreement with the United States.”

The discrepancy between Iranian claims of a 'concluding phase' and warnings that a deal is 'not imminent' reflects the fragile nature of U.S.-Iran diplomacy. While the focus on the Strait of Hormuz suggests a priority on economic and maritime stability, the demand for total U.S. military withdrawal remains a high political hurdle that could delay a final agreement.