US-Iran deal on Hormuz Strait hinges on Trump's final decision amid lingering doubts

The United States and Iran appear to be on the verge of an agreement that would extend a truce and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, with only President Donald Trump's final approval reportedly standing in the way. However, ambiguity persists regarding the precise terms of the deal, particularly from the Iranian side.

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Hormuz Strait must be immediately opened, toll-free, for unlimited shipping in both directions. All sea mines, if any, will be removed.

President Trump took to social media to outline his administration's expectations. He demanded "immediate, toll-free passage" through the Strait of Hormuz for "unlimited shipping in both directions" and the removal of any sea mines. He also announced a plan to remove all highly enriched uranium from Iran in cooperation with Iranian authorities and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), contingent on Iran agreeing "never to have nuclear weapons or bombs."

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We do not trust guarantees or words – only actions are the true measure.

Despite optimistic signals from Washington, Iranian sources expressed caution and skepticism. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, stated on social media that "we do not trust guarantees or words – only actions are the true measure." Unnamed Iranian sources described Trump's statements to international media as a "mix of truth and lies," alleging he distorted key elements of the draft agreement to claim a "false victory." They specifically cast doubt on claims about the destruction of enriched uranium and the absence of tolls for passage through Hormuz. These sources also reiterated that Tehran continues to condition the deal on the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and a complete ceasefire in Lebanon.

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The latest Republican statements have not dispelled the biggest unknowns about what individual provisions of the framework agreement mean for sensitive issues.

The framework agreement, as reported by Axios, reportedly includes a 60-day extension of the current truce and the facilitation of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global maritime route that previously handled one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas before the war. The strait is bordered by Iran on one side.

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We do not trust guarantees or words – only actions are the true measure.