The US announced it shot down several Iranian drones allegedly targeting commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command reported that all attack drones were intercepted and maritime traffic in the strait was not disrupted.
This development coincides with the most sensitive phase of negotiations following months of regional tension between Washington and Tehran and a fragile ceasefire reached in April. Both sides say a potential agreement is at the most advanced stage yet.
Emphasis on Final Stage in Negotiations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the agreement is closer to completion than ever before. In a social media post, Araghchi called for avoiding speculation until the text is finalized.
Araghchi’s remarks were later reshared by US President Donald Trump on Truth Social. This move reinforced interpretations that despite tensions, diplomatic channels remain open between the two sides.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced that negotiators have reached the final agreed text of the peace deal. Sharif said Islamabad is in close contact with Washington and Tehran on the remaining procedural steps and that peace is closer than ever.
Differences in How Parties Describe the Agreement
However, there are notable differences in public statements about the agreement’s content. A senior White House official said Iran has accepted a performance-based framework and will have to make significant concessions before any sanctions relief or economic benefits are granted.
Under this framework, Iran must dismantle its nuclear program, destroy and remove nuclear materials, keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and end support for terrorist groups. The official stated no Iranian funds will be released until these commitments are fulfilled.
US Vice President J. D. Vance also rejected reports that Tehran would receive immediate cash just for signing the agreement. Vance said economic benefits will only come after verified compliance with the deal.
Key Points as Presented by Tehran
Iranian officials described the main points of the agreement differently. Araghchi told Iranian state TV that the deal includes lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports and covers the future management of the Strait of Hormuz.
He also argued that any decision regarding enriched uranium would involve keeping the material in Iran. Araghchi noted that frozen Iranian assets are part of the talks, that these funds will be released at some point, and that reconstruction plans exist to compensate for war damages.
The Iranian Foreign Minister said if the final stage is successfully completed, the agreement could be signed remotely within days. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Bekayi stated that the parties have reached consensus on most issues on the table.
Trump Says Signing Could Happen Within Days
Trump said a comprehensive agreement could be signed by mid-next week or Monday. The US President described Araghchi’s recent comments as "very positive" but requested corrections to reports in Iranian state media that misrepresented the negotiations’ content.
Previously, Trump accused Iranian officials of negotiating in bad faith and claimed leaked assessments did not reflect the written terms discussed in talks. Nevertheless, the latest statements have kept hopes alive that the agreement may be close to completion.
Signing Location Under Discussion
The Swiss Foreign Ministry said it is in contact with both Tehran and Washington and that Switzerland could be a possible signing venue if the parties agree. Araghchi implied the final agreement will likely be signed remotely.
Despite growing diplomatic optimism, the differing public narratives from the parties indicate ongoing mutual distrust. The nuclear program, sanctions relief, frozen assets, and management of the Strait of Hormuz remain among the Middle East’s most critical diplomatic issues in recent years.
