US and Iran negotiate to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Negotiators for the United States and Iran are working toward a potential agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, according to multiple reports citing Iranian state media and U.S. officials. The framework under discussion would aim to end a conflict that has choked off a vital conduit for global energy supplies.

The reported draft memorandum of understanding, described as preliminary and unofficial, outlines that Iran would restore commercial shipping traffic through the strategic strait to pre-war levels within 30 days. In exchange, the United States would lift its naval blockade and withdraw military forces from Iran’s vicinity, according to the Iranian broadcasts. The proposed deal would not apply to military vessels and envisions Iran managing ship traffic in cooperation with Oman.

The White House has forcefully denied the existence of such an agreement, calling the Iranian state television report a complete fabrication. U.S. officials have acknowledged ongoing negotiations but stressed that a final deal is not yet concluded. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it may take a few more days to determine if an agreement is possible, adding that the key...