Trump Announces Iran Deal, Iran Disputes Claims on Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran has been "largely negotiated," claiming the Strait of Hormuz would fully reopen. Iran's Fars News Agency immediately rejected this, stating the Strait "will remain under Iranian management" with Iran retaining exclusive control over routing, timing, and permits. Iran insists any agreement must end the war on all fronts including Lebanon, and refuses to discuss its nuclear program at this stage. Reports that Iran agreed to hand over enriched uranium are "completely false," per Tasnim. Even if a deal is reached, shipping expert Sal Mercogliano warns Strait traffic may only reach 40% of pre-war levels by year-end due to security concerns. US hawks including Senators Lindsey Graham and Roger Wicker oppose the deal, calling it a disaster. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo compared it to the Obama-era playbook. Israel was excluded from talks and views the emerging deal as a "very big problem." The Hajj begins May 25, potentially influencing timing. Analysts suggest the deal may be a pretext for temporizing, with war likely to restart.