THE UNITED STATES and Iran edged closer at the weekend to a deal that would end the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and see the Iranians give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to regional officials.

But optimism was tempered by US President Donald Trump, who reportedly told representatives not to rush into a deal after a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

President Trump insisted on social media that negotiations were “proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner,” and the relationship with Iran was becoming “much more professional and productive.”

The US has insisted that the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway critical to world trade, should be reopened as part of any deal. The strait, open prior to the illegal and unprovoked attack launched by the US and Israel on Iran on February 28, is now blockaded by Iran.

The US has blockaded Iranian ports for over a month, and Mr Trump said it “will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.”

Under the potential deal, Tehran would agree to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the two regional sources.

One source said how Iran would give up the uranium would be subject to further talks during a 60-day period. Some would likely be diluted, while the rest would be transferred to a third country, the source said. 

Russia has offered to take the uranium.

A US source confirmed the 60-day period and said if Iran does not give up its stockpile there will be no sanctions relief. 

Iran has not publicly committed to giving up its uranium. 

President Masoud Pezeshkian told Iranian TV the government was ready “to assure the world that we are not after a nuclear weapon.”

Iran has always insisted its programme is peaceful and asserts its right to nuclear technology for domestic use.

On Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there are “narrowing differences” between the Iranian and US positions, but Iran is cautious after being attacked twice in the past year during nuclear negotiations.

The Israelis are reportedly continuing to pressure the Trump administration over their “right” to continue fighting resistance group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Washington has reportedly guaranteed Israel’s right to act against any imminent threats in “self-defence” against Hezbollah.

Israeli forces have escalated air attacks in southern Lebanon and continue to insist on occupying the land to create a “security buffer zone.”