US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that President Donald Trump could make public the preliminary US-Iran agreement document before Friday, amid growing calls for transparency on the surprise peace deal.

Trump has claimed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was already signed electronically and that Iran has committed to never possessing nuclear weapons. He has also dismissed reports suggesting the US would provide $300 million in economic aid as “completely false.”

According to Vance, the agreement is a “very general” framework that ensures immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and prevents Iran from rebuilding its nuclear programme. In a video posted on X, the Vice President described the deal as a “win-win for the American people.” He said if Iran makes a long-term commitment, it would be welcomed back into the global economy, but any violation would leave it without resources to rebuild its programme.

The development comes after weeks of tensions. Trump earlier stated the Strait of Hormuz would be fully open by Friday. Iranian media reported that three oil tankers and two cargo ships had already passed through the waterway after the US lifted its naval blockade.

International reactions have been mixed. Republican leaders in the US are waiting for full details before taking a clear position. They want clarity on what the US gives in return and the long-term security implications. The pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC issued a cautious statement, emphasising Israel’s right to defend itself.

In Tehran, the stock exchange hit a record high, with the main benchmark rising nearly 2.3 per cent in a single session. However, shipping companies remain cautious. The head of Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines told the Financial Times that full resumption of transit through Hormuz could take weeks until operators are confident the deal is “material.”Oil prices rebounded on Tuesday amid uncertainty. Brent crude rose to around $83.42 per barrel, while WTI climbed to $81.12, reflecting market concerns over the pace of supply restoration.

Vance also mentioned that international nuclear inspectors from the IAEA would return to Iran to monitor enriched uranium stockpiles and ensure the programme remains peaceful. He called this one of the key conditions of the agreement.

The deal was reportedly signed by Trump, Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. A senior US official told media that Trump wanted to sign it personally to demonstrate his commitment.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Esmail Qaani of Iran’s IRGC claimed the recent conflict had “discredited America” and accelerated Israel’s “collapse,” showing that hardline voices in Tehran continue to shape the narrative.

In related developments, Iran’s Central Bank governor travelled to Moscow to strengthen banking ties with Russia. Japan expressed concern over continued Israeli actions in south Lebanon despite the broader de-escalation.

The agreement has significant implications for global energy markets and West Asia stability. For India, which imports substantial crude oil and relies on the Strait of Hormuz for much of its energy shipments, any lasting truce could ease supply worries and help moderate fuel prices at home.

However, experts point out that many details are still unclear. Questions remain about enforcement mechanisms, timelines for lifting sanctions, and how Israel fits into the broader picture. Shipowners are adopting a wait-and-see approach before resuming full operations.

As of now, the focus is on the expected release of the document. Trump’s team appears confident, but analysts say the coming days will test whether the preliminary understanding can translate into a durable arrangement.

Indian observers are closely watching the situation given the country’s strategic interests in the Gulf region. Any breakthrough that reduces tensions could positively impact trade, diaspora safety, and energy security.

Further updates are expected in the next 48 hours as the Friday deadline approaches. The coming release of the document may answer many lingering questions.

US Threatens Strait of Hormuz Blockade; Oil Tops $100

Iran has branded the US plan for a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “illegal piracy”, even as crude oil prices surged past $100 a barrel on Monday amid mounting tensions following failed peace talks.

CENTCOM Sets Blockade Timeline  

US Central Command announced it will begin enforcing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering or leaving Iranian ports from 7:30 pm IST on April 13. The move follows President Donald Trump’s directive after weekend negotiations in Pakistan collapsed without a lasting ceasefire.

Iran Labels Move as Piracy  

Iran’s military central command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, issued a sharp rebuke. “The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute an example of piracy,” the statement read on state television. It warned that if Iranian ports face any threat, “no port in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea will be safe.”

Blockade Targets Iranian Ports Only  

CENTCOM clarified that the restrictions will apply impartially to vessels of all nations heading to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. However, freedom of navigation for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports will remain unaffected.

Crude Oil Prices Spike Sharply  

Oil markets reacted instantly to the announcement. Brent crude futures jumped 7.3 per cent to $102.16 a barrel by early trading, while US West Texas Intermediate surged 8.4 per cent to $104.69 a barrel. The sharp rise reversed earlier declines and added fresh pressure on global energy costs.

Failed Talks Trigger Fresh Escalation  

The blockade decision came hours after US-Iran talks in Pakistan ended without agreement. Trump indicated he was unconcerned about Tehran returning to the table, saying, “I don’t care if they come back or not. If they don’t come back, I’m fine.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran had approached the discussions in good faith but faced “maximalist demands”.

India Feels Immediate Market Jolt  

The developments sent ripples through Indian markets. The Sensex crashed over 1,600 points and the Nifty fell nearly 500 points in early trade on Monday, reflecting investor fears over higher imported crude costs and inflation risks for the world’s third-largest oil importer. Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz had already halted, according to maritime tracking reports.

What Lies Ahead for Region  

With the US considering additional measures including possible limited strikes, the coming hours will test whether the blockade remains strictly limited to Iranian ports or escalates further. Tehran has vowed to defend its sovereignty while maintaining that the Strait remains open under its regulations. For now, the world watches closely as this latest chapter in the US-Iran standoff unfolds, with major implications for energy security and regional stability.