Iran State TV Claims Draft Deal With US Could Restore Hormuz Shipping, Lift Naval Blockade
(Updates with background on mediation and strategic context)
DUBAI, May 27 (Reuters) — Iran's state television said on Monday it had obtained a draft framework for an unofficial memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, outlining a potential pathway to de-escalate their ongoing conflict.
Under the proposed terms, Iran would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month. In return, the United States would withdraw its military forces from the vicinity of Iran and lift the naval blockade that has severely restricted maritime trade in the region.
State TV stressed that the framework — which excludes military vessels and envisions Iran managing ship traffic in coordination with Oman — has not been finalized. It added that Tehran would take no steps without what it called “tangible verification” of American compliance.
If a final agreement is reached within 60 days, the television reported, it could be submitted to the United Nations Security Council for adoption as a binding resolution, signaling a potential breakthrough in a crisis that has rattled global energy markets.
The emerging memorandum stems from indirect talks initiated after war broke out in February, with Pakistan playing a central mediating role between Iran and the United States. The conflict erupted following a sharp escalation between Iran and Israel earlier this year, involving exchanges of missile and drone attacks that disrupted shipping lanes and drew U.S. military involvement, raising fears of a wider regional confrontation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Any disruption there has immediate implications for global crude prices and energy security. The potential reopening of the strait, if confirmed, could ease supply concerns, though analysts caution that mistrust between the two sides remains deep and verification mechanisms will be key.
The report did not specify when the draft was obtained or how it was verified, and there was no immediate comment from U.S. officials or the White House.