President Trump convened a Situation Room meeting Friday to consider a proposed memorandum of understanding with Iran that U.S. officials say could extend the current ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and set conditions for further talks on Iran’s nuclear program. Below are the key developments and reactions as of today.
Overview
– The White House says negotiators have reached a tentative MOU that would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and open a pathway to negotiate Iran’s nuclear program, but the agreement remains subject to presidential approval.
– In a Truth Social post, Mr. Trump said he was “meeting now…to make a final determination” and described terms that include Iran agreeing to never pursue a nuclear weapon, reopening the Hormuz Strait with no tolls, and cooperating to have a stockpile of highly enriched uranium unearthed and destroyed. He also said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports would be lifted.
– Iranian state media and officials strongly disputed U.S. characterizations: Tehran said there are “no negotiations” on the nuclear issue at this stage and that the draft MOU has not been finalized or confirmed.
Latest updates
50 minutes ago — Kazakhstan offers to store Iran’s 60% enriched uranium
– IAEA Director Rafael Grossi told the Financial Times that Kazakhstan has offered to hold Iran’s 60%-enriched uranium — roughly 440 kilograms — if the U.S. and Iran reach an accord on Tehran’s contested nuclear program. Grossi met Kazakhstan’s president in Astana this week.
2:20 PM — Iran: “no negotiations” on nuclear issue
– Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Friday there are “no negotiations” on the nuclear program as Tehran focuses on ending the wider war. A ministry spokesman said the priority remains stopping the fighting.
1:23 PM — Markets: stocks up, oil down
– U.S. stock indexes rose modestly; the S&P 500 gained about 0.2% as Brent crude fell roughly 1.8% to near $92 a barrel. Markets cited growing optimism that the ceasefire could be extended and the Hormuz Strait could reopen to tankers.
12:41 PM — Iranian media call U.S. claims “invalid”
– Semi-official Fars news agency criticized Mr. Trump’s public description of the deal, calling his claims a mix of truth and lies and saying the draft MOU does not include several items the president cited, such as destroying nuclear material or reopening the strait without fees in the manner described.
12:14 PM — U.N.: children harmed in Lebanon
– UNICEF said an average of 11 children have been killed or wounded daily over the last week in Lebanon, with most casualties linked to airstrikes in the south. Humanitarian groups urged safe, unimpeded access to deliver aid.
11:47 AM — Iran says more ships transited Hormuz under Tehran’s coordination
– Iranian state TV, citing the IRGC navy, reported 24 additional commercial vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours under coordination with Iranian authorities, warning ships to follow designated routes and permits.
11:27 AM — Trump announces naval blockade “will now be lifted”
– The president said the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports and vessels tied to the regime would be lifted. It was unclear whether lifting the blockade would be immediate or conditional on acceptance of the MOU. The blockade, imposed in April, has been a flashpoint in the ceasefire dynamics.
11:08 AM — Trump describes uranium removal and destruction plan
– In his social post, Mr. Trump said the U.S. — possibly with China’s help, the IAEA and Iran’s cooperation — would unearth and destroy enriched material he called “nuclear dust,” allegedly buried under damaged facilities after last year’s military strikes. He emphasized no money would be exchanged “until further notice.”
10:45 AM — Israeli forces cross Litani River
– Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli ground forces had crossed Lebanon’s Litani River, expanding operations against Hezbollah. Israel has widened evacuation orders and declared large areas of southern Lebanon active combat zones.
10:19 AM — Markets continue to react to talks
– Early trading showed modest gains on Wall Street and further declines in oil prices on optimism around the ceasefire extension. Analysts cautioned the recovery in oil markets remains uncertain even if the strait reopens.
9:56 AM — Iranian official: Trump alone resists “Iranian management” of Hormuz
– An Iranian parliamentary official said globally a form of “Iranian management” of Hormuz has been accepted and blamed Mr. Trump for refusing to accept Iran’s arrangements. Tehran has established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to coordinate transits; the U.S. has sanctioned the body.
9:34 AM — Iranian negotiator stresses readiness for war if deal collapses
– Iran’s lead negotiator said the side better prepared for war the day after any agreement will be the winner, signaling Tehran’s insistence on military leverage and skepticism about guarantees.
9:13 AM — Danish intelligence says Iran poses growing threat to Scandinavia
– Denmark’s PET warned of an increased role for state actors, highlighting Iran as a growing security threat to Jewish and Israeli interests and some dissidents in Europe.
8:51 AM — U.K. charges Greek national over alleged Iran-linked intelligence activity
– London police charged a Greek national accused of assisting a foreign intelligence service believed to be Iran in targeting a UK-based journalist.
8:30 AM — MSF calls for civilian protection in Lebanon
– Doctors Without Borders said hospitals in southern Lebanon are treating severe trauma cases and urged Israeli authorities to protect civilians, medical personnel and facilities.
8:08 AM — Israel reports killing a Hamas commander
– Israeli security services said forces struck and killed a Hamas commander involved in the Oct. 7 attacks; Israel continues operations in Gaza while pressing fronts in Lebanon.
7:46 AM — Trump speaks with Qatar’s emir
– Mr. Trump called Qatar’s emir to discuss regional de-escalation; Qatar reiterated support for diplomatic solutions and mediation efforts.
Earlier developments
– Lebanese officials warned Israeli strikes have endangered cultural heritage sites, including damage near the Tyre archaeological area and Beaufort castle.
– Reports say U.S. and Iranian negotiators, with Pakistani mediation, have been trading text on a possible MOU; Tehran’s semi-official media maintained no final agreement has been confirmed.
– Secretary of State Marco Rubio was scheduled to meet Pakistan’s foreign minister as Pakistani mediators remain involved. Vice President JD Vance said negotiators have “made a lot of progress” but it’s still “TBD” whether the president will sign any MOU.
– The Treasury Department tightened sanctions on entities linked to Iran’s military-run petroleum exports, targeting Hong Kong-based firms and vessels said to support the military’s oil shipments.
What’s next
– The Situation Room meeting is aimed at a presidential decision. U.S. officials say the MOU remains subject to final sign-off. Iran’s public statements, state media, and its negotiators continue to push back against elements of the U.S. public narrative.
– Key issues to watch: whether the U.S. actually lifts its naval blockade and under what conditions; Iran’s response to the latest draft; any international role for the IAEA or third countries in securing and disposing of enriched material; and the humanitarian and military situation in Lebanon and Gaza as hostilities continue.
This is a developing story; updates will be posted as new information becomes available.