Trump says deal 'negotiated' but Iran disputes terms

US President Donald Trump stated on social media that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for an Iran peace deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route disrupted since the US and Israel launched a war on Iran in February. Trump noted that final details were still under discussion but would be announced soon. However, Iran’s Fars news agency rejected this claim, asserting that Iran would manage the strait and accusing Trump’s statement of being 'inconsistent with reality.' The New York Times reported that the deal includes an 'apparent commitment' from Iran to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, though specifics on how this would occur are to be addressed in future talks. Trump has repeatedly stated that the US military action in Iran aimed to prevent nuclear weapon development, while Iran denies pursuing nuclear arms and insists its uranium enrichment is for civilian purposes. Iran announced progress toward an MoU after high-level talks with Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, who has mediated the conflict. Pakistani officials described the negotiations as 'fairly comprehensive' and aimed at terminating the war. The proposed framework involves three stages: ending hostilities, resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and a 30-day window for broader negotiations, potentially extendable after the Eid holiday ends on Friday. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump’s 'extraordinary efforts' toward peace, while Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei acknowledged progress but warned that disputes, including US sanctions and the blockade of Iranian ports, still needed resolution. Iran has demanded control of the Strait of Hormuz, an end to the US blockade, and the lifting of oil sanctions, alongside halting US attacks and addressing the conflict in Lebanon involving Hezbollah. Trump spoke with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan, who urged him to accept the framework. His call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was described as 'very well' on Truth Social. Meanwhile, Trump cited Iran as a reason for skipping his son’s wedding, citing the war’s impact on US energy prices. Negotiations remain fragile, with Iranian officials emphasizing that while tensions have eased, key issues like US threats and the Lebanon conflict must still be resolved before a final agreement.