President Donald Trump said on May 23, 2026 [1], that a memorandum of understanding for a peace deal with Iran is largely negotiated.
The potential agreement aims to end a conflict that has lasted approximately three months [2]. If finalized, the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy shipments.
Trump said during a White House briefing in Washington that the agreement would address regional shipping concerns [1]. The discussions involve geopolitical interests spanning from the Strait of Hormuz to Islamabad, and New Delhi [1].
Despite the signals of progress, a disagreement exists regarding the maritime blockade. Iran's Fars news agency said the claim that the strait would reopen under the proposed terms was disputed [1].
Trump said on May 24, 2026 [3], that there is no rush to finalize the deal. He said the U.S. blockade would remain in place for the time being [3].
The current diplomatic push follows a period of intense instability in the region. The U.S. administration has sought to balance the pressure of the blockade with the goal of a negotiated settlement to stabilize global oil markets.
“A memorandum of understanding on an Iran peace deal was 'largely negotiated.'”
The tension between the claim of a 'largely negotiated' deal and the continued U.S. blockade suggests a strategy of maximum pressure. By signaling a potential end to the war while maintaining the blockade, the U.S. maintains leverage over Iran's economy and shipping access. However, the public dispute via the Fars news agency indicates that the specific terms regarding the Strait of Hormuz remain a primary sticking point in the negotiations.
