US President Donald Trump announced on May 23 that a memorandum of understanding on a ceasefire aimed at ending the US-Israel war with Iran 'has essentially been negotiated.' He said the deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz but remains 'subject to completion' by negotiators from the US, Iran, and 'many other countries.'
The remarks came after Trump held a phone call with leaders and officials from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, and Bahrain. He also had a separate call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. On Truth Social, Trump wrote: 'The final aspects and details of the Agreement are now being discussed and will soon be announced.'
The statement follows a week in which Trump threatened Iran that time for a long-term ceasefire deal was running out. He later told reporters he had come close to relaunching attacks but decided to 'hold off' at the request of Gulf states. Since then, Trump has alternated between escalation threats—including posting an image of Iran covering the US flag—and insisting a deal is near.
On the same day, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir concluded a short but 'very productive' visit to Iran. According to a Pakistani military statement, 'encouraging progress' was made toward a final agreement.
Iranian officials have repeatedly expressed caution about negotiating with the US, which has launched military strikes on Iran twice during talks over Tehran's nuclear program. The US and Israel began the latest war on February 28, but fighting largely paused on April 8, except for minor flare-ups. The US still maintains a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz.
Key sticking points of the deal include the future of Iran's nuclear program, its influence over the Strait of Hormuz, the US military presence in the region, and access to frozen Iranian funds.
