Progress in US-Iran Agreement Amid Rising Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz

Authors: Garry O’Donohue
Senior North America Correspondent, Washington DC
Author: Olivia Ireland
Published June 13, 2026, 10:44 +0545

The US military has shot down Iranian drones targeting commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated, “Iran launched drone attacks targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.” The military reported that all the drones were downed within hours, and shipping through the strait continues uninterrupted. This incident occurred as both the US and Iran signaled progress toward a peace agreement.

Senior US administration officials have indicated that a draft agreement is close to completion. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that talks with the United States aimed at ending the war are nearing an agreement, which also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He added, “The agreement also contains provisions to lift the US-imposed sanctions on Iran.” US officials confirmed some aspects of the deal, stating that Iran will receive economic benefits if it fulfills its responsibilities.

The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel conducted attacks on Iran. In response, Iran targeted American allied nations in the Gulf and Israel, closing the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Although a ceasefire agreement was reached in April, sporadic exchanges of fire between the US and Iran have continued, with recent weeks witnessing two rounds of attacks and counterattacks. Iranian media released some details of a 14-point agreement on Friday, but former US President Trump dismissed those points, saying they “have no relation to the terms of any previous agreements.”

According to Iranian state media quoting Foreign Minister Araghchi, the Supreme National Security Council has witnessed votes both in favor and against the latest terms of the agreement. At that time, Araghchi noted that a collective decision had not yet been reached. He stated, “The final phase of negotiations will conclude soon; the agreement will be signed and announced.”