By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON – The United States and Iran have reached a tentative agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and begin nuclear talks, according to US officials – but President Donald Trump has not yet signed off on the deal, leaving its fate uncertain.

Vice President JD Vance confirmed Thursday that "a couple of language points" are still under discussion, adding that it remains "TBD" whether Trump will ultimately endorse the agreement.

"We're making progress," Vance said, according to US officials familiar with the negotiations.

The potential agreement, reached after weeks of intensive mediation led by Pakistan's Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, would mark a significant de-escalation between Washington and Tehran.

According to US officials:

• Strait of Hormuz opening: The vital maritime chokepoint, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil passes, would be reopened to normal shipping traffic. Iran has largely blocked the strait following a joint US-Israeli military attack on February 28.

• Nuclear talks timeline: The tentative deal would begin 60 more days of negotiation focused on Iran's nuclear program. This represents a deferral of the most contentious issue to a second phase of talks.

• Phased implementation: Sources say the agreement outlines a structured process, with initial steps on maritime security followed by longer-term negotiations on nuclear non-proliferation.

Iranian officials have not yet publicly commented on the potential deal, maintaining a cautious stance as negotiations continue.

However, tensions remained high near the strategic waterway. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy said it fired warning shots at four vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, according to a post on an affiliated Telegram account. The IRGC claimed the vessels were trying to pass through the waterway "without prior coordination or authorization."

The incident underscored the fragile security situation in the region even as diplomatic efforts advance.

The most significant obstacle to a final agreement may be President Trump himself. While his administration has engaged in the negotiations, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has spoken optimistically about an imminent deal, Trump has not yet given his final approval.

Vance's use of "TBD" – to be determined – suggests that internal White House discussions are ongoing, with language points still being refined before the president is asked to sign off.

Earlier this week, Trump posted on Truth Social that an agreement had been "largely negotiated" and would be announced "shortly," adding that the Strait of Hormuz would be opened. His latest statement, however, stopped short of confirming that a final deal has been inked.

The tentative agreement follows a high-stakes diplomatic push by Pakistan, whose Field Marshal Munir made two visits to Tehran last week, meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and reportedly Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar have both publicly credited Munir's efforts, with Trump personally thanking the Pakistani military chief during a phone call with regional leaders on Sunday.

With a "couple of language points" still being negotiated, and Trump's final sign-off pending, the coming hours and days will determine whether the tentative agreement becomes a finalized deal.

Iran's lack of official comment on the potential deal – combined with the IRGC's warning shots in the Strait – suggests that Tehran is also waiting for clarity before committing publicly.

For now, the world waits on one question: Will Donald Trump say yes?