Media: US, Iran near preliminary deal to ease Gulf tensions

The United States and Iran are close to signing a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities in the Persian Gulf, Al Arabiya reports, citing Pakistani sources.

The sources said a draft agreement has been prepared, with most of its provisions already approved by both sides. The deal is expected to serve as a first step toward ending the conflict and launching a broader negotiation process that could last several months.

According to the report, the draft outlines measures to ensure the safety of maritime traffic, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation. It also addresses sensitive issues such as uranium enrichment and the partial unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad.

Indirect talks between U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials have already taken place, signaling what sources describe as serious intent by both sides to reach agreement on key terms.

By Sabina Mammadli