
Iranian state television claimed on Wednesday that it had obtained a preliminary draft of an agreement between Iran and the United States that would see the Strait of Hormuz reopened to commercial maritime traffic in exchange for the lifting of the US naval blockade of Iran.
According to Iranian state media, the 14-point document constitutes an "initial and unofficial framework of a possible understanding between Iran and the United States," while the agreement is presented by Tehran as a strategic victory that "strengthens Iran's power in the Strait of Hormuz."
The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world's most important energy corridors, as a large portion of global oil and gas exports pass through it. Since the early days of the war, Iran had effectively blocked trade passage through the area, shaking international markets and raising fears of a global energy crisis.
According to the draft published by Iranian media, control and management of maritime traffic in Hormuz would be carried out by Iran in cooperation with Oman. In return, the US would have to lift the naval blockade on Iran.
However, the report does not mention two of the most contentious issues between Tehran and Washington: the future of Iran's nuclear program and the reserves of enriched uranium that Iran possesses.
So far, the US has not officially reacted to the publication of the draft. Iranian state television itself admitted that the agreement "is not yet final."
The news comes at a time of heightened tension between the two countries. Just days after the sides signaled progress toward an agreement to end the war, the situation escalated again this week.
On Tuesday, the US carried out attacks on Iranian naval vessels and launch sites, which Washington described as “self-defensive strikes.” Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Iran had deployed mine-laying vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and had brought attack drones close to US ships.
In response, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned of a "decisive reciprocal response" to any violation of the ceasefire, while Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei hinted that Iran could resume attacks on US military bases in the Persian Gulf.
In parallel with US-Iran tensions, Israel continued bombing southern Lebanon and issued new evacuation orders for civilians, in an escalation of operations against Hezbollah that could further complicate negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump is expected to convene his cabinet at the White House, while the US administration has hinted that progress is being made towards a possible agreement with Iran.
In Gaza, Hamas confirmed that Mohammed Odeh, the head of the organization's military wing, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the north of the enclave. He is one of the most senior Hamas officials killed by Israel since last fall's ceasefire.
Another significant development comes from Iran itself, where authorities have begun gradually restoring the internet after 88 days of total blackout. The organization NetBlocks said it was “the longest national internet shutdown in modern history.”