On the afternoon of May 23 (US Eastern Time), President Donald Trump posted on social media that a deal between the United States and Iran had largely been agreed, pending finalization by both sides and relevant Islamic nations. He also held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The final elements and details of the agreement are currently under discussion and will be made public in the near future.

Trump stated that, among numerous other provisions in the deal, the Strait of Hormuz would consequently be reopened.

Trump also stated that he had just spoken with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Bahrain, as well as Pakistan's Army Chief, to discuss Iran and matters related to a "Peace Memorandum of Understanding."

Earlier that day, Trump said in a telephone interview that "things are getting better every day." Trump stated that he believes the final agreement will prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and ensure that Iran's enriched uranium is "satisfactorily disposed of," adding, "I will only sign a deal that gets us everything we want."

US Secretary of State: US-Iran Negotiations "Are Making Progress"

On May 23 local time, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during a visit to India that negotiations between the United States and Iran "are making progress," and emphasized that Iran will not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons.

Rubio stated that the US position that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons remains unchanged, that Iran must hand over its high-enriched uranium stockpiles, and that it must not impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

He also stated that President Trump "has always preferred to resolve issues through diplomatic and negotiated means," and that the US is working toward that end, but did not rule out "resolving the issue by any means necessary."

Iran: Trump's Latest Remarks on the Strait of Hormuz "Incomplete"

In the early hours of May 24 local time, Iranian sources stated that President Trump's latest social media remarks suggesting "the Strait of Hormuz will be opened" were "incomplete."

According to the latest exchanged texts, even if an agreement is reached, the Strait of Hormuz will continue to be "managed" by Iran. Furthermore, while Iran has agreed to restore the number of vessels permitted to transit the strait to pre-war levels, this does not signify a return to the pre-war state of "freedom of navigation."

Iranian sources emphasized that the management, route planning, timing and mode of vessel transit, as well as permitting authority over the Strait of Hormuz, will remain entirely under Iran's control. Therefore, Trump's related statements are incomplete and do not reflect the facts.

Iran: Tehran and Washington in Final Stages of Finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Baghaei stated on May 23 that after weeks of dialogue, "the views of both sides are moving toward greater alignment," and that the two parties are currently in the final stages of finalizing a memorandum of understanding. "Going forward, we must wait and see, and closely observe what exactly happens in the next three to four days."

Baghaei emphasized that Iran, with a resolute and firm stance, has successfully prevented any provisions detrimental to its national interests from being included in the text.

Baghaei stated that the current stage of negotiations does not involve nuclear issues or the details of sanctions relief. Given that no specific dialogue on the nuclear file is underway at this time, the micro-level details of sanctions removal will similarly not be addressed at this stage. However, Iran's explicit demand for sanctions relief has been written into the current draft text, which is a firm and unwavering position for Iran.

Pakistan: US and Iran Close to Reaching Interim Agreement

On May 23 local time, according to official Pakistani sources, the United States and Iran are close to reaching an interim agreement aimed at ending hostilities. This deal would lay the groundwork for broader and deeper follow-up negotiations.

The Inter-Services Public Relations of Pakistan issued a statement on May 23 saying that Army Chief General Asim Munir's "brief but highly productive" visit to Iran had concluded successfully, playing a positive role in facilitating understanding between Iran and the United States.

The statement said that General Munir met separately with Iranian President Pezeshkian, Parliament Speaker Qalibaf, Foreign Minister Araghchi, and Interior Minister Momeni, with discussions focused on accelerating the ongoing consultation process to support the achievement of peace and stability in the Middle East and a final agreement between Iran and the US.

The statement emphasized that the meetings took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere, and that the intensive consultations have yielded "encouraging" progress, bringing the objective of a final understanding between Iran and the US closer.