US and Iran Reach Phased Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran have reached a memorandum of understanding to end a conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The agreement establishes a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which includes lifting the U.S. naval blockade, beginning minesweeping operations, and the release of 12 billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

While President Donald Trump characterized the negotiations as proceeding nicely, he maintained that the blockade would remain in effect until the agreement was certified and signed. He emphasized that the final outcome must be a "Great Deal" or there would be no deal at all. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the framework as a solid plan to reopen the straits and initiate time-limited nuclear negotiations.

Significant friction remains regarding nuclear commitments. The U.S. claims the memorandum commits Iran to forgo nuclear weapons, but Iranian officials insist the agreement only pledges future discussions and does not yet include a formal nuclear deal. President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran is not seeking nuclear weapons, though Tehran maintained that the immediate release of frozen assets was a non-negotiable condition.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed dissatisfaction with the process, demanding the total dismantlement of Iranian nuclear capabilities. Netanyahu also asserted that the ceasefire does not include Lebanon, where Israel continues to occupy southern territory and maintains its freedom to act against threats.