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US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed that any final deal with Iran must completely eliminate the threat of Tehran acquiring nuclear weapons, including dismantling its uranium enrichment facilities and removing enriched nuclear material from Iranian territory.

In a statement on X, Netanyahu said he spoke with Trump regarding ongoing negotiations tied to a proposed memorandum of understanding aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and advancing talks on Iran's nuclear programme. He thanked Trump for his "unwavering commitment" to Israel's security, including support during recent military operations against Iran.

"President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger," Netanyahu stated, adding that Iran must not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. Trump also reportedly reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself against threats across the region, including from Lebanon.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "significant progress" had been made in diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran. Speaking in New Delhi alongside Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Rubio hinted that "good news" regarding the Strait of Hormuz and broader negotiations could emerge within hours.

The diplomatic push follows months of escalating tensions after jointUS-Israeli strikeson Iran in February, which prompted Tehran to effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz — a critical global energy chokepoint handling nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supply. The disruption triggered a spike in global oil prices and intensified the wider West Asian crisis.

According to reports, negotiators are now working on a draft framework that could include a 60-day ceasefire, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and limited sanctions relief allowing Iran to resume oil exports. In return, Iran would formally commit to never developing nuclear weapons.

However, disagreements reportedly remain over the extent ofsanctions relief, the removal of the naval blockade, and the future of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Iranian approval would also require clearance from the country's Supreme National Security Council and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

(With inputs from IANS)