The US and Iran signaled on Friday that a deal to end the war may be close. Both sides, along with mediator Pakistan, said an initial agreement could be signed within days.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said the memorandum of understanding (MoU) would be signed digitally by both parties from their respective countries before being officially announced.
Next Phase of Talks
Araghchi said that after the signing, both countries would pledge not to start any new conflict.
A second round of negotiations would then begin within 60 days. These talks would focus mainly on Iran’s nuclear program and the removal of sanctions. Iran insists that any highly enriched uranium must be diluted inside the country and this is Tehran’s only acceptable solution for handling its uranium stockpile.
Key Points in the Proposed MoU
According to Araghchi, the agreement would aim to end the war across all fronts, including Lebanon.
The deal would require Israel to withdraw from occupied territories and would include the following provisions:
- Reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Ending the naval blockade against Iran.
- Releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Araghchi said the waterway would not return to its pre-war management system and Iran would maintain sovereignty and a military presence there. However, a new legal framework aligned with international law would be introduced that rules out transit tolls but said charging service fees would be reasonable.
US Expectations
A US official said the proposed agreement would require Iran to commit to not developing or acquiring nuclear weapons. The deal will reopen the Strait of Hormuz to normal oil shipments and end the blockade.
Nonetheless, the release of Iran’s frozen assets would depend on whether Tehran fulfills the conditions set out in the agreement.
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