A draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia has reportedly emerged as both sides intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.
According to Iranian state media on Wednesday, the proposed framework outlines a phased peace process focused on restoring commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz while addressing broader military and economic concerns tied to the ongoing conflict.
The development comes as US President Donald Trump convened senior officials to discuss a potential agreement that could ease pressure on global energy markets and stabilise the Gulf region after months of heightened hostilities.
Under the preliminary proposal, Iran would restore commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within 30 days, with shipping operations jointly coordinated by Tehran and Oman. Reports indicate that the current draft excludes US military vessels from the proposed transit mechanism.
In return, Washington is expected to withdraw military forces from Iran’s “surrounding environment” and lift the naval blockade imposed during the conflict, though details regarding the scale and scope of troop withdrawals remain under negotiation.
If finalised within a proposed 60-day period, the agreement would reportedly be formalised through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, handling nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Disruptions in the region have already fuelled sharp volatility in crude oil prices and raised concerns over global supply chains and food security due to interrupted fertiliser exports.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the conflict as an “economic war,” accusing Washington of targeting Iran’s economy and livelihoods, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) maintained that it remains prepared for any further confrontation despite ongoing diplomatic engagement.
At the same time, regional instability continues beyond the US-Iran talks. Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon and Gaza have intensified in recent days, underscoring the fragile nature of the broader security environment in West Asia.
Iranian officials stressed that the framework remains unofficial and preliminary, adding that Tehran would not move forward without “tangible verification” of American commitments.
Despite the uncertainty, Iranian authorities said 23 vessels successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz under IRGC coordination over the last 24 hours, signalling tentative operational stability amid continuing negotiations.
