US President Donald Trump has claimed that a major agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran is close to being finalised, following intense diplomatic discussions involving the United States, Iran and several Middle Eastern allies.

According to Trump, negotiations are focused on preserving the ceasefire that began in April, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a framework for future talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Senior US officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, reportedly returned to Washington for urgent discussions as speculation mounted that both sides were nearing a memorandum of understanding.

Trump stated that he had spoken with leaders from Gulf nations, as well as Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan, and described the agreement as largely negotiated, pending final details.The proposed arrangement has generated criticism from prominent Republican figures in the United States.

Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Roger Wicker warned that allowing Iran to retain influence in the region could undermine the strategic gains achieved through recent military operations.They argued that extending the ceasefire without stricter conditions could strengthen Tehran’s regional position and weaken Israel’s security.Iranian officials also indicated progress towards an agreement.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran was prioritising efforts to end the conflict across the region, including in Lebanon, before addressing broader nuclear negotiations.

Security analysts noted that Gulf states remain concerned about Iran’s ability to threaten shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor.

While Trump suggested a breakthrough was imminent, the article also noted that previous announcements regarding peace deals and reopening the strait had not resulted in lasting agreements.

The conflict originally began on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, with a ceasefire currently remaining in place since April 8.