Trump: 'Largely negotiated' ceasefire understanding with Iran but confusion remains on Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has said a major breakthrough may be close in efforts to end the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, saying a ceasefire understanding has been “largely negotiated”. “Talks are now turning to final details of a Memorandum of Understanding to secure peace in the region,” Trump said in a statement on his Truth Social platform. He said the proposed deal would also include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital strategic waterway that has been effectively closed during the conflict. But Iranian media reports that Trump’s later claims just don’t add up. Iran has agreed to the number of ships passing to return to pre-war levels, but this by no means signifies a"Discussions now are focusing on final details of a Memorandum of Understanding to bring peace to the region," Trump said in a statement posted on his Truth Social platform. The proposed pact would also see the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed throughout the conflict, he said. However, Iranian media reports say follow-ups prove this claim to be false.

Trump said the understanding was being discussed not only between Washington and Tehran but also with several regional countries involved in diplomatic efforts.

Trump held calls with leaders and officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Turkiye and Bahrain ahead of the announcement. He also held separate talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump said the talks went “very well,” saying the discussions focused on a “Memorandum of Understanding related to peace.” He added that negotiators are now working on outstanding issues before announcing the deal formally.

Trump’s recent comments appear to mark a dramatic shift in tone. Just days ago he had warned that a failure of the talks could lead to a resumption of military action against Iran. But he later said further attacks were suspended after Gulf countries called for restraint to avoid the conflict spreading throughout the region.

The diplomatic push gained more attention after Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, concluded a "highly productive" visit to Iran on Saturday, according to Pakistan's military. Islamabad said there had been encouraging progress in talks linked to the peace process, fuelling speculation that regional powers are trying to broker a long-term settlement before tensions escalate again.

Iran has acknowledged too that talks are progressing. Tehran was working on a 14-point framework that could provide the basis for a final deal, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said. The two sides were trying to complete the memorandum so that further negotiations could continue over the next one to two months, leading eventually to a broader peace deal, Baqaeei told Iranian state television.

But Iranian officials have remained wary about dealing with the United States, especially after Washington and Israel launched military strikes during previous negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The war erupted after massive US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering retaliatory strikes by Tehran on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Active fighting has largely been on hold since early April, but tensions are simmering. Iran's stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz and US blockade of Iranian ports are key flashpoints.

Among the biggest unresolved issues are the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, Tehran’s role in the Strait of Hormuz, the presence of US forces in the region, and access to frozen Iranian funds.