US, Iran inch closer to end of Middle East Conflict; Strait of Hormuz to reopen, US Troops to Withdraw

Tehran: Iran's state television has reported that Tehran has received a draft of an initial, informal framework for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the Middle East conflict with the United States. Under this framework, Iran would restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month, while the U.S. would withdraw its military forces from the vicinity of Iran and lift its naval blockade.

Strait of Hormuz to Reopen?

State television stated that this framework—which excludes military vessels and under which Iran, in cooperation with Oman, would manage the movement of ships through the strait—has not yet been finalized. It added that Tehran would not take any steps without "concrete verification." Furthermore, it noted that if a final agreement is reached within 60 days, it could be ratified as a binding resolution by the United Nations Security Council.

Is Agreement Between US and Iran Possible Soon?

This emerging MoU between the U.S. and Iran is the result of indirect negotiations that began following the outbreak of hostilities in February, during which Pakistan played a central role as a mediator between Tehran and Washington. The conflict erupted earlier this year after tensions between Iran and Israel reached a boiling point. Both sides launched missile and drone attacks against one another, disrupting shipping in the Gulf region and drawing in U.S. military forces, thereby heightening fears of a major regional conflict. However, a ceasefire was subsequently declared, and efforts to normalize the situation have been ongoing ever since.

Why Did IRGC ​​Warn US?

Amidst various speculations regarding the ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has asserted that the likelihood of a renewed conflict with the United States remains low. Mohammad Akbarzadeh, Deputy Political Chief of the IRGC Navy, was quoted by the Tasnim news agency as saying, "Given the enemy's weakness, the likelihood of war is low; however, the Iranian Armed Forces remain fully prepared and vigilant."