US and Iran peace deal nearing completion after Strait of Hormuz opens.

On the 86th day of the ongoing conflict, United States President Donald Trump declared that a memorandum of understanding regarding a peace accord with Iran has reached a stage where it is "largely negotiated." This development signals a potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical maritime chokepoint that has remained closed since the US and Israel initiated their war in February. The restoration of this vital oil passage is expected to alleviate the global energy crisis that has intensified due to the blockade.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, who has served as a key mediator in these high-stakes talks, indicated that the next round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran is imminent. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reinforced this optimism on Sunday, asserting that "meaningful progress" has been secured, suggesting that a durable and positive resolution is now within reach. However, the path forward remains fraught with complexity as diplomatic efforts shift between promises of cooperation and lingering accusations.

In the United States, President Trump took to his Truth Social platform to describe the emerging document as a "Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE," noting it remains "subject to finalization" among the US, Iran, and "various other Countries." He emphasized that final details are under discussion and will be announced soon. The President highlighted that this advancement follows extensive consultations with Israel and regional allies, promising that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened to offer relief to global energy markets. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting India, corroborated that "significant progress" has been made in resolving the strait's status while reiterating Tehran's disqualification from possessing nuclear weapons and its alleged sponsorship of global terrorism.

Despite these assertions, Iranian officials have pushed back against certain claims. The Fars News Agency reported that the draft agreement would leave Iran in charge of the strait, labeling Trump's assertions as "inconsistent with reality." Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesman for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged a "trend towards rapprochement" but cautioned that this does not guarantee an agreement on pivotal issues. Baghaei explained that the initial intent was to draft a framework agreement, with hopes that final details could be settled within 30 to 60 days. Reports citing the proposed memorandum of understanding suggest the naval blockade must be fully lifted within 30 days and that a portion of Iran's frozen assets should be released in the first phase.

Significant caution remains from Tehran. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that no decision on a deal can be made without the explicit permission of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Tohid Asadi of Al Jazeera, reporting from Tehran, characterized the current atmosphere as one where it is "too early" to declare a victory. He noted that a "cloud of mistrust" persists from Iran's perspective regarding the United States, underscoring that skepticism still impedes the path to a finalized accord. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene a security cabinet meeting this evening to deliberate on the potential implications of the proposed deal.

Iran's football federation confirmed a shift in World Cup preparations. Officials approved moving the national team's training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico. Leadership stated this transition remains pending further verification. The federation awaits confirmation on whether this marks a lasting resolution or merely another diplomatic friction point.

Conflict intensifies along the Lebanon border. The Lebanese Civil Defence reported total destruction of their Nabatieh facility following an Israeli strike. Casualty counts continue to rise despite the April 22 ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces now total 22 dead, a figure updated after a recent skirmish. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem received correspondence from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The message highlighted new mediation efforts led by Pakistan. Proposals specifically demand Lebanon's inclusion in any broader cessation of hostilities.

Humanitarian toll remains severe across the region. Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health recorded 3,123 fatalities since the war escalation on March 2. In Gaza, a predawn airstrike claimed three civilian lives. Victims included a one-year-old boy, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Meanwhile, activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla returned to London and Dublin. These British and Irish individuals were previously detained in international waters before deportation.