According to US media outlet Axios, the United States and Iran are close to signing a proposed deal that would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iran to resume oil exports, while negotiations continue over Tehran’s nuclear program.According to the report, the draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) will allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without tolls during a period of 60 days while Iran will clear mines deployed in the waterway to restore shipping traffic.In return, the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and issue sanctions relief, allowing Iran to sell oil freely, Axios reported, citing a US official.The proposed agreement would include negotiations on curbing Iran’s nuclear activities.
Key points of the proposed deal
60 day ceasefire extension:
- The US and Iran will sign a 60-day memorandum of understanding (MOU), which can be extended if both parties agree.
Strait of Hormuz to reopen:
- Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and remove mines deployed in the waterway to allow free movement of ships and oil tankers.
No toll on shipping:
- Commercial ships will be allowed to pass through the strait without tolls or restrictions.
America will reduce economic pressure:
- In return, the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and issue sanctions relief so Iran could freely export oil.
‘Relief for Performance’ Model:
- The Trump administration will only provide sanctions relief and free up Iranian funds after Tehran makes verifiable concessions.
Nuclear commitments by Iran:
Iran will commit to:
- never pursue nuclear weapons
- Negotiations on suspension of uranium enrichment
- Discussion on removing its highly enriched uranium stockpile
Further nuclear talks during the ceasefire:
- The two sides will continue negotiations on a comprehensive nuclear agreement and permanent sanctions relief during a period of 60 days.
US troops will remain in the area temporarily:
- US forces deployed in recent months will remain in the Middle East during the negotiation phase and will return only after a final agreement.
Israel-Hezbollah conflict will end:
- The draft agreement reportedly includes the understanding that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would stop.
Israel retains the right to take action against Hezbollah’s threats:
- According to US officials, Israel would still be allowed to respond if Hezbollah attempted to retreat or attack.
Possible widespread reestablishment in relationships:
- If Iran accepts Trump’s nuclear demands, the US could move toward restoring economic ties and helping Iran reintegrate economically.
Nuclear talks remain central
The proposed agreement reportedly includes Iran’s commitments that it will never build nuclear weapons and that it will negotiate to suspend uranium enrichment and remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.According to Axios, Iran has already provided verbal commitments through mediators about the concessions it wants to make on enrichment and nuclear materials.The development comes after a New York Times report cited two US officials as saying that a key element of the proposed deal is an “explicit commitment” by Tehran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.According to the report, how Iran will surrender its uranium reserves will be discussed in the subsequent rounds of nuclear talks. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran currently has about 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%.Iranian officials had previously opposed including the uranium issue in the early stages of talks and wanted it to be delayed to later talks.
Trump says deal close, Iran alert
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that a “massively negotiated” peace memorandum was near completion and claimed the Strait of Hormuz would reopen under the deal.“The final aspects and details of the deal are currently under discussion and will be announced soon,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.However, Iran’s Fars news agency refuted Trump’s claim regarding the strait, saying that Iran would continue to manage the waterway and described Trump’s comments as “inconsistent with reality”.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said, “There are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators,” stressing that Tehran’s priority is to end threats of new US attacks and address the conflict in Lebanon.
Mediation efforts led by Pakistan
Pakistan has emerged as the main mediator in the talks. Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir recently met senior Iranian leaders, including top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in Tehran.The leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Türkiye and Pakistan backed the emerging framework during a conference call with Trump on Saturday.The proposed framework is expected to be unveiled in phases, starting with formally ending the war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and opening a 30-day negotiating window for a comprehensive nuclear deal.Axios further reported that US forces mobilized to the region will remain deployed during a period of 60 days and will return only after a final agreement is reached.
Concerns over Israel, global oil markets
According to Axios, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns over parts of the proposed agreement during a call with Trump, particularly provisions related to ending the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon.The agreement is being closely watched globally as the Strait of Hormuz handles a large share of global oil shipments. Global energy markets had been severely disrupted by the closure of waterways since the beginning of the war.Oil prices and shipping routes remain volatile amid uncertainty over conflict and negotiations.Under the talks, Iran has demanded an end to the US blockade on its shipping and relief from sanctions.