Proposed US-Iran Pact May Reopen Strait Of Hormuz In 30 Days, End Iranian Transit Charges

The United States and Iran are working on a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz around 30 days after any formal agreement, even as fresh US strikes in southern Iran strain an already fragile ceasefire that started on 8 April, according to a Middle East diplomatic source.

Under the reported proposal, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz within a 30-day period after a deal is reached. Once that process finishes, commercial and naval vessels from all nations would again move through the waterway without restrictions, and Iran would no longer collect transit fees on passing ships.

US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal talks link ceasefire and nuclear issues

The same framework would stretch the US-Iran ceasefire by a further 60 days, the source told Nikkei. Negotiators plan to use this pause to address Iran's nuclear programme, including detailed steps for managing stockpiles of enriched uranium, which remain a central issue for Washington and regional governments.

Sanctions imposed by the United States and the release of frozen Iranian assets would not be lifted at once. According to the account shared with Nikkei, these steps would roll out in phases linked to progress on security guarantees, nuclear commitments, and the practical reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal tied to Lebanon front and Hezbollah

The area covered by the ceasefire proposal goes beyond the Gulf. It also includes Lebanon, where Iran has insisted that Israel stop attacks on Hezbollah before hostilities are fully halted. Israel, for its part, is pressing for Hezbollah to disarm, leaving a wide gap between the two positions.

Nikkei reported that approval from Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is considered crucial for any US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal to hold. Diplomats say negotiations remain delicate, and it is still uncertain whether all parties will accept the conditions required for a final agreement.

US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal overshadowed by fresh US strikes

While talks continue, US Central Command said US forces hit missile launch sites in southern Iran and targeted boats that were attempting to lay mines on 26 May. Spokesperson Tim Hawkins stated, "US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran today to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces," and said the targets included vessels trying to "emplace mines."

Officials warned that these operations could undermine the ceasefire that started on 8 April and supports the broader US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal talks. The strikes came as negotiators were discussing mine clearance and naval safety, highlighting the tension between military actions on the ground and diplomatic efforts.

US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal faces political pressure

On 25 May, President Donald Trump posted that instructions had gone to US representatives "not to rush into a deal." Trump also repeated expectations that Iran surrender enriched nuclear material, writing, "The Enriched Uranium (Nuclear Dust!) will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably... destroyed in place," with an international witness present.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on 26 May that negotiators had resolved many issues linked to the US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal, but warned against assuming a breakthrough. Baghaei stated that conclusions have been reached on a large share of matters, yet "to say that this means the signing of an agreement is imminent — no one can make such a claim."

Diplomats involved in the US and Iran Strait of Hormuz deal say talks will continue despite new strikes and political pressure from different sides. Progress on mine clearance, nuclear arrangements, sanctions relief, and regional fronts such as Lebanon will decide whether the ceasefire can hold long enough to reopen the strategic waterway.