Iran And U.S. Now Turn To Temporary Deal Preventing a Return To Hostilities As Key Issues Remain Unsolved: Report

Iran and the U.S. are now negotiating a temporary deal to prevent a return to hostilities as agreeing on a final framework to end the war remains complicated, according to a new report.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that some gaps are being narrowed, including the handling of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway through which about 20% of the world’s energy passes and has seen a blockade by both countries.

Iran wants the unfreezing of some of its funds to allow ships to go through, according to the report. The country could let ships said through Oman’s side of the strait in the scenario.

However, parties are still in disagreement over the fate of Iran’s nuclear program, the report added. A U.S. official said on Wednesday that there is no formal agreement yet but “engagement” with Tehran continues.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the country is open to discussing the type and magnitude of enrichment but, “based on its needs,” it “must be able to continue enrichment.”

The remarks stand in contrast with President Donald Trump’s assessment of whether there is room for Iran to enrich uranium. And even though there are also conflicting reports about the U.S.’s stance on the matter, all of them point at no enrichment, at least in the near future.

The Trump administration reportedly proposed a 20-year moratorium, according to Axios. Tehran signaled openness to the idea but for a shorter, “single digit” period. Despite the stalemate, Trump said Iranian leaders called him on Monday and they “would like to work a deal.”

Trump addressed the report while speaking to the New York Post, rejecting the notion that he made such an offer. “I’ve been saying they can’t have nuclear weapons,” so “I don’t like the 20 years.” “I don’t want them to feel like they have a win,” Trump added.

In the meantime, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said forces are ready to go back to fighting if a deal is not reached. “We are reloading with more power than ever before, and better intelligence,” he said on Thursday.

“We are locked and loaded on your critical dual-use infrastructure, on your remaining power generation, and on your energy industry. We’d rather not have to do it.”