Swapna Kumbar , Bengaluru - Fresh hopes of de-escalation in West Asia emerged after Iranian state media reported that a draft agreement with the United States could reopen commercial shipping through the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz within a month. The reported framework, still unofficial and unfinalized, allegedly includes a US commitment to lift its naval blockade and reduce military presence around Iran in exchange for Tehran restoring maritime traffic to pre-war levels.

According to reports, the proposed memorandum of understanding outlines a phased process under which Iran would resume normal commercial shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz while cooperating with Oman to manage maritime traffic in the region. The draft reportedly excludes military vessels and requires “tangible verification” from Washington before Tehran implements any commitments. Iranian officials also indicated that if both sides reach a final agreement within 60 days, the arrangement could potentially be endorsed through a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.

However, the White House has pushed back strongly against the reports, with US officials reportedly dismissing claims that Washington had agreed to withdraw forces or hand over strategic control of the waterway. President Donald Trump also rejected suggestions that Iran would oversee the Strait, insisting that global navigation routes would remain protected under US-backed security arrangements. Despite the conflicting narratives, global oil markets reacted immediately to the possibility of a breakthrough, with crude prices falling sharply amid hopes that Gulf shipping and energy exports could soon stabilize.

While the reported draft agreement has raised cautious optimism, major disagreements between Tehran and Washington still appear unresolved. The future of the Strait of Hormuz one of the world’s most important oil transit routes remains central to ongoing negotiations, with the outcome expected to have major consequences for global energy markets, regional security, and international diplomacy.