TEHRAN – US forces intercepted several Iranian one-way attack drones reportedly heading toward the Strait of Hormuz, the international media reported while citing source familiar with the situation on Saturday.
The drones were said to pose a risk to commercial shipping. US Central Command later confirmed the interceptions and stated that maritime traffic through the waterway remained unaffected.
At the same time, Iranian media reported explosions near Sirik port and Qeshm Island, with local accounts attributing the sounds to Iranian military warning fire aimed at vessels allegedly attempting to cross without authorization from the Revolutionary Guard’s naval units.
According to multiple sources involved in the discussions, the proposed understanding includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the US naval restrictions around Iranian ports. Broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme—initially cited by US President Donald Trump as a key reason for the conflict—would follow at a later stage.
Earlier in the day, the United States and Iran indicated that a framework to conclude their ongoing conflict is close to completion, with a senior US administration official stating that both sides have already agreed on a draft text and Washington could move toward signing an initial accord within days.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the document could still be adjusted, but described the evolving understanding as a positive outcome for Tehran, claiming it had gained strength during the hostilities. In a televised statement, he went further, declaring that Iran had “come out on top” in the confrontation with the United States.
A senior US official, speaking anonymously, said the emerging agreement aligns with Washington’s main objectives and places the talks “in a very strong position.” However, different accounts from Western, Pakistani, and Iranian sources suggest the draft may lean more in Iran’s favour, a claim that drew criticism from Trump, who dismissed such reports as inaccurate.
Under the outline being discussed, Iran would regain access to significant frozen financial assets and receive relief from sanctions on oil exports, while agreeing to reopen the strategic strait. In return, Iran’s nuclear programme would be addressed in a structured 60-day negotiation period.
US officials said the final objective would be the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear capabilities, including removal and destruction of its highly enriched uranium stockpile under an international inspection mechanism. Iran, however, has indicated it rejects full dismantlement and prefers to retain its uranium in a diluted form.
Araghchi stated that Tehran’s preferred approach is to keep its enriched uranium in a down-blended state rather than eliminate it entirely.
Some reported elements of the draft also include potential discussions on war-related reparations and easing restrictions on Iran’s missile programme, though US officials disputed those claims. One US representative insisted that financial releases would depend strictly on compliance, saying no funds would be transferred until obligations are met and stressing that support for armed groups would not be tolerated.
The agreement, if finalized, could be signed in the coming days—possibly on Sunday in Geneva—by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, according to a Western source. However, the US administration noted that while Europe has been considered as a venue, no final decision has been made. Araghchi also suggested the signing may take place remotely.
Under the draft terms, Iran would cooperate with Oman in managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route that previously handled a significant share of global oil and gas flows. Araghchi warned that Iran would continue to maintain leverage over the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz will always remain under our influence,” he said.
Israel has not been involved in the negotiations and has rejected any obligation to the proposed arrangement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will not be bound by the agreement, amid ongoing tensions with Washington over regional military policy.
Israeli defence officials have also indicated that Israel reserves the right to act independently against perceived threats, and have ruled out withdrawal from contested positions.
Araghchi hints at changes in MoU as US-Iran peace deal enters final stages
