Iran on Wednesday claimed that a draft framework agreement with the United States could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within a month, but Washington dismissed the report as “a complete fabrication”.
Iranian state television cited what it described as a draft “memorandum of understanding” between Tehran and Washington. The report said the document had not yet been finalised.
According to the reported draft, the United States would lift what Iran described as a naval blockade and stop interfering with ships travelling to and from Iran.
In return, Iran would allow shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while continuing to manage shipping lanes, inspect vessels, and impose service charges. The draft reportedly stated that the reopening would not apply unconditionally and would exclude military vessels.
The report also referred to a supposed US commitment to withdraw forces from the region, though it did not specify whether that would include permanent American military bases in the Gulf.
The draft further proposed a 60-day negotiation period between the two countries, after which any final agreement could potentially be approved through a United Nations Security Council resolution.
The White House strongly denied the report.
“This report from Iranian-controlled media is not true and the MOU they ‘released’ is a complete fabrication. Nobody should believe what Iranian state media is putting out. FACTS MATTER,” the White House said in a post on X.
The developments came amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington despite ongoing peace talks mediated by Pakistan.
On Tuesday, the US military launched fresh strikes on southern Iran, targeting missile sites and boats allegedly attempting to place naval mines. The US described the operation as an act of self-defence.
Hours later, US President Donald Trump said he expected Iran to hand over its enriched uranium to the United States for destruction or destroy it inside Iran under international supervision.
Iran, meanwhile, said on Wednesday that a full-scale war with the United States appeared unlikely, despite accusing Washington a day earlier of violating a ceasefire that has been in place since April.