Progress Toward U.S.-Iran Agreement

The White House believes it is getting close to an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding. This framework aims to end the war and pave the way for more detailed nuclear negotiations, according to two U.S. officials and two other sources briefed on the issue.

The U.S. expects Iranian responses on several key points within the next 48 hours. While nothing has been finalised, this marks the closest the parties have come to an agreement since the war began.

Key Provisions of the Memorandum

The deal includes several provisions:

• Iran committing to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment.
• The U.S. agreeing to lift sanctions and release billions in frozen Iranian funds.
• Both sides lifting restrictions around transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

This one-page, 14-point memorandum is being negotiated between U.S. envoys and several Iranian officials, both directly and through mediators.

Timeline and Implementation

In its current form, the memorandum would declare an end to the war in the region. It would also initiate a 30-day period for negotiations on a detailed agreement covering:

• Opening the Strait of Hormuz.
• Limiting Iran’s nuclear program.
• Lifting U.S. sanctions.

Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the strait and the U.S. naval blockade would be gradually lifted during this 30-day period. If negotiations collapse, U.S. forces could restore the blockade or resume military action.

Iran’s Stance and Recent Developments

Iran stated it would accept a peace deal only if it is “fair.” This came after the U.S. President paused a three-day-old naval mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which had disrupted the war’s month-old ceasefire.