Trump says Iran peace deal ‘largely negotiated’ as talks focus on Strait of Hormuz ceasefire

Efforts to resolve the Iran conflict gained momentum on Sunday when U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a peace deal with Iran was “largely negotiated,” noting that talks are now concentrating on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing a broader cease‑fire framework.

Sources indicate that Pakistan is poised to become a central mediator in the next stage of negotiations. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad aims to host another round of U.S.–Iran peace talks “very soon,” following April’s discussions that did not yield a breakthrough.

The draft agreement reportedly calls for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, loosening restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and instituting a temporary cease‑fire while negotiations continue over Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran, however, maintains that its nuclear activities will not be on the immediate agenda and insists on retaining control of the Strait.

The standoff began on February 28 after coordinated U.S.–Israeli strikes hit Iranian military and nuclear sites, prompting Iranian retaliation and heightened tensions across the Middle East. Since then, the region has experienced missile exchanges, naval confrontations, and worldwide worries about oil supply disruptions.

Despite the diplomatic progress, military tensions remain elevated. U.S. Vice President JD Vance recently warned that Washington remains “locked and loaded” to resume military action if talks falter, while Iran cautioned that renewed strikes could open “new fronts” in the region.

Furthermore, intelligence cited in a CNN report suggests Iran has rebuilt portions of its military‑industrial and drone‑production capabilities more swiftly than anticipated during the cease‑fire interval.

The conflict has also sparked global protests, economic unease, and rising energy worries, chiefly due to instability around the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial conduit for worldwide oil shipments. Analysts warn that the coming days may decide whether the region slides toward de‑escalation or plunges back into conflict.