Iran and US closing in on deal to end Middle East war
The United States and Iran are nearing a potential agreement to end the ongoing Middle East war, with a deal possibly being finalized soon. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the agreement would align with President Trump's goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. While Iran confirmed the existence of a draft agreement, it stated that discussions regarding its nuclear program would be postponed for 60 days after any deal is reached.
- ▪The US and Iran have been observing a ceasefire since April 8 while negotiations continue.
- ▪Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping, and the US has blockaded Iran's ports during this period.
- ▪The draft agreement includes provisions for the release of some of Iran's frozen funds and a temporary lifting of sanctions on its oil and gas exports.
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Iran and US closing in on deal to end Middle East warSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio says a deal will align with US President Donald Trump’s goal to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon. PHOTO: AFPPublished May 24, 2026, 06:28 PMUpdated May 24, 2026, 06:28 PMTEHRAN – The United States and Iran could strike a deal to end the Middle East war as early as May 24, Washington’s top diplomat has said, while Tehran insisted the agreement would do nothing to limit its nuclear programme.Washington and Tehran have been observing a ceasefire since April 8 while mediators push for a negotiated settlement, although Iran has imposed controls on Gulf shipping and the US has blockaded Iran’s ports.On May 24, during a visit to India, US…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.