Overview
- Over the May 23–24 weekend the White House and Pakistani mediators circulated a draft memorandum that officials described as largely negotiated but not final.
- Reported draft terms would extend the fragile ceasefire for roughly 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to fee‑free passage, require Iran to clear mines, and start phased talks on sanctions and frozen assets.
- Tehran has signaled it will retain sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz rather than accept a return to full free passage, creating a core dispute with Washington.
- The hardest remaining issue is Iran's nuclear program: the United States seeks long‑term limits and control or removal of highly enriched uranium, demands Iran so far rejects.
- President Donald Trump has paused rushing a deal while keeping US military options on the table, prompting sharp criticism at home and concern from Israel and Gulf states about any compromise.