WASHINGTON / TEHRAN — The United States and Iran are closing in on a major diplomatic breakthrough to end the Middle East war, with both sides confirming they are reviewing a preliminary 14-point framework to halt hostilities and restore global shipping.

President Donald Trump announced on social media that an agreement has been “largely negotiated” following a series of high-level coordination calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key Arab leaders. While Trump cautioned that the “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE” is still subject to finalization, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that a formal announcement could be imminent.

In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged a “trend towards rapprochement,” confirming that negotiators are finalising a 14-point draft mediated by Pakistan. The core of the 60-day temporary truce centers on a “relief for performance” maritime trade:

Proposed Move	U.S. / Allied Action	Iranian Action
Maritime Corridors	Lift the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports.	Reopen the Strait of Hormuz and clear deployed naval mines.
Financial & Regional	Unfreeze up to $25 billion in Iranian assets held abroad.	Enforce a ceasefire on regional proxy fronts, including Lebanon.

Despite the optimism, massive gaps remain over long-term sovereignty and the nuclear issue. While Washington expects the Strait of Hormuz to be fully open without tolls, Tehran strictly maintains that its management remains a sovereign monopoly between Iran and Oman. Furthermore, Iran has flatly denied U.S. reports that it has agreed to hand over its highly enriched uranium stockpile during this initial 60-day window, insisting that nuclear constraints and permanent sanctions relief be deferred to separate, future talks.