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Iranian State Media Claims Draft Agreement, White House Calls It 'Fabricated'
Iranian state media reported on Wednesday that a draft agreement has been reached to end the ongoing war between Iran and the United States, proposing a reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz within 30 days and a withdrawal of American troops from the region. The White House swiftly denied the report, calling it 'completely fabricated.'
The purported draft, allegedly brokered by Pakistan, would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month. Before the conflict, approximately 20 percent of the world's oil trade passed through this narrow waterway. Under the reported terms, Iran would manage shipping traffic through the strait in coordination with Oman, while the United States would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports and withdraw military forces from areas near Iran.
According to Iranian state television, if a final agreement is reached within two months, it could be codified in a United Nations Security Council resolution. However, the White House Rapid Response team posted on X that the document described by Iranian media is 'completely fabricated.'
The 2026 Iran war ceasefire has been fragile since its establishment in April, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
Trump Cabinet Meeting Highlights Ongoing Negotiations
President Donald Trump addressed the Iran negotiations during a public Cabinet meeting at the White House on Wednesday, originally planned for Camp David but relocated due to weather. Trump stated that Iran 'wants very much to make a deal' but that the current proposal does not meet American demands.
'We're not satisfied with it, but we will be,' Trump said. 'And otherwise, we'll have to just finish the job.'
The president accused Iran of stalling negotiations in hopes that Democrats would win the November midterm elections, adding: 'They thought they could wait me out. But I don't care about the midterms.'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported that 'some progress' has been made in the talks, echoing his previous statement that an agreement could be reached 'within a few days.'
Key Sticking Points in Negotiations
Several critical issues remain unresolved in the US-Iran talks:
- Uranium stockpile: Iran possesses approximately 440.9 kg of highly enriched uranium at 60% purity, nearing weapons-grade. The mechanism for its disposal remains under negotiation.
- Sanctions relief: Iran demands full lifting of US sanctions, while the US insists on verifiable compliance first.
- Regional conflicts: Whether any ceasefire covers Israeli operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon is a disputed point.
- Abraham Accords: Trump is pushing for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Pakistan to join the normalization agreements as part of any settlement.
Republican senators including Wicker, Graham, and Cruz have criticized the emerging terms, arguing they too closely resemble the Obama-era nuclear deal that Trump previously withdrew from.
Military Actions Complicate Diplomatic Track
Just one day before the reported draft, US forces conducted airstrikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and boats. The Pentagon described the strikes as 'defensive,' while Iran called them a 'grave violation' of the ceasefire and responded with threatening rhetoric.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis 2026 has had severe global economic consequences. Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel in March, and US gasoline prices averaged $4.45 per gallon. The EIA estimated that 9.1 million barrels per day of oil production were shut in across Gulf states in April due to the conflict.
JPMorgan analysts project that Brent crude could remain near $100 per barrel through year-end even if the strait reopens by June, as global commercial oil stocks have been drawn down to minimum levels.
Iran's internet access, blocked for nearly three months, is reportedly being restored as part of confidence-building measures, according to earlier reports.
Pakistan's Mediation Role
Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator between Washington and Tehran. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran twice in one week, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's military chief, was scheduled to travel to Tehran for further talks. The indirect negotiations in Islamabad have been central to maintaining communication channels between the adversaries.
Iran's 14-point proposal includes demands for Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, war reparations, full sanctions lifting, and US troop withdrawal. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran is prepared for either a negotiated settlement or a return to fighting.
The 2025-2026 US Iran conflict has reshaped global energy markets and military alliances in the Middle East.
FAQ: US-Iran War and Draft Deal
What is the Strait of Hormuz and why is it important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a 104-mile-long waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Before the 2026 war, about 20% of global oil trade and 25% of LNG passed through it. Its closure has caused severe energy price spikes worldwide.
What does the reported draft agreement contain?
According to Iranian state media, the draft includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, US troop withdrawal from the region, lifting of the naval blockade, and Iran managing shipping traffic with Oman. The White House denies this document's authenticity.
Why did the US conduct airstrikes during ceasefire talks?
The Pentagon stated the May 26 strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats were 'defensive' actions targeting threats to US forces and commercial shipping. Iran condemned them as a ceasefire violation.
What role is Pakistan playing in negotiations?
Pakistan has acted as a backchannel mediator, hosting indirect talks and shuttling proposals between Washington and Tehran. Islamabad has warned that regional stability and the global economy depend on a negotiated settlement.
How have oil markets reacted to the developments?
Brent crude fell 4.2% to below $93 per barrel on news of the reported draft, while WTI dropped 5.7%. However, analysts caution that prices remain elevated due to depleted global oil inventories.
Sources
This article is based on reporting from NOS, CBS News, PBS, USA Today, Al Jazeera, the Boston Herald, the US Energy Information Administration, and UNCTAD. For further details, refer to the original NOS article: Iraanse media melden conceptakkoord over einde oorlog, VS ontkent.
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