The United States President, Donald Trump, announced significant progress in negotiations with Iran regarding the Middle East conflict over the weekend. The discussions aim to address crucial aspects such as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following talks with Israel and other regional allies.

There is a substantial negotiation process in place, although caution has been advised by other officials, stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Sunday. Rubio, during his four-day visit to India where he met with officials from India, Australia, and Japan, expressed hope for positive developments soon.

Rubio emphasized that one key objective of Trump’s negotiations is to ensure a world free from the threat or concern of an Iranian nuclear weapon.

Trump disclosed that he spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israel. The final aspects and details of the agreement are currently under discussion and will be announced shortly, Trump mentioned on social media without elaborating.

The announcement capped a week where the United States considered new attacks against the Islamic Republic, potentially risking a fragile ceasefire.

Emerging Details of the Agreement

The possible agreement includes Iran’s commitment not to develop a nuclear weapon. Tehran agreed to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to two regional officials. One official shared that Iran’s approach to handing over its highly enriched uranium is a topic set to be negotiated within 60 days.

There is a likelihood that part of the uranium will be diluted while the rest might be transferred to a third country, potentially Russia. Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60% purity, one technical step short of the 90% weapon-grade level, as reported by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The gradual opening of the Strait of Hormuz will coincide with the U.S. lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, according to the officials. The U.S. plans to allow Iran to sell its oil through sanction exemptions. The easing of sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian funds will be negotiated within the 60-day period, as per the second official informed about the negotiations.

The agreement draft includes ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as well as a pledge not to interfere in the internal affairs of regional countries. The officials spoke anonymously to discuss closed-door deliberations.

Background on Conflict

It has been twelve weeks since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of high-ranking Iranian officials, including the supreme leader. This interrupted the nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran for the second time in less than a year. Iran retaliated by attacking Israel and neighbors hosting U.S. forces, a blow to the Gulf nations regarded as safe havens in the region.

A ceasefire has been in place since April 7, but Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz to vessels transporting regional oil, natural gas, and other critical supplies has caused global economic concern.

Israel’s Concerns About Hezbollah

Israeli officials worry Hezbollah, the Lebanese political and military group allied with Iran, continues to pose a severe threat to Israel, and Lebanon is unable to disarm it. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Trump that Israel maintains freedom of action against threats on all fronts, including Lebanon, according to a source familiar with their conversation. Trump made it clear to Netanyahu he would not finalize an agreement until Iran completely dismantles its nuclear program and removes all enriched uranium.

Israeli Science and Technology Minister Gila Gamliel, part of Netanyahu’s cabinet, stated on Army Radio that Israel is adopting a wait and see approach.

Since April 17, a fragile ceasefire brokered by the United States has been in effect in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, a conflict beginning two days after war with Iran erupted. Despite the ceasefire, attacks persist on both sides. Hezbollah daily launches drones and projectiles against Israeli soldiers and northern Israel while Israel targets objectives in Lebanon, with troops in expansive zones of southern Lebanon. More than 3,000 casualties have been reported in the latest round of fighting, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. Additionally, 22 Israeli soldiers, a defense contractor, and two civilians near northern Israel have died, primarily due to Hezbollah drones, as reported by Netanyahu’s office.

Reporting contributions were made by Lidman from Tel Aviv, Israel, Sheikh Saaliq from New Delhi, and Munir Ahmed from Islamabad.