From the ceasefire in Lebanon to the nuclear talks: What are the conditions proposed by Iran in the “Islamabad Agreement”

As negotiations between the United States and Iran move closer to a potential agreement, Iranian officials have outlined a set of conditions they say must be met before any final agreement can take effect.

While Washington focused on Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran demanded action to address sanctions, maritime access, and regional security.Iran has set a series of conditions for ending its war with the United States, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi saying the proposed memorandum of understanding is closer to completion than ever before.The proposed framework, known as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” or “Islamabad Agreement,” would serve as an interim arrangement aimed at ending hostilities and creating conditions for broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

The agreement aims to extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and create a framework for future negotiations on the Iranian nuclear program.While US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that an agreement is imminent, Iranian officials have stressed that no final decision has been made and that the text is still under review by Tehran’s leadership.

Iran’s first demand: lifting the American blockade

Iran has repeatedly said that the most important element of the proposed agreement is the lifting of the US naval blockade imposed during the war.

Speaking to Iranian state television, Araqchi said that the first article of the proposed memorandum focuses on ending restrictions on Iranian shipping and trade.He stressed that the first point mentioned in the memorandum of understanding is lifting the US naval blockade on Iran.According to the details discussed by American and Iranian officials, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will be linked to lifting the American blockade on Iranian ports and shipping.

Iran wants different arrangements regarding the Strait of Hormuz

The future of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive issues in the negotiations.The waterway, through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes, has been effectively disrupted since the conflict began. Iran imposed a toll system during the war, while the United States insisted that traffic remain free.

Araqchi indicated that Tehran does not intend to return to the previous arrangement, CBS News reported.“As for the Strait of Hormuz, its management will not return to what it was before.” He said.In another interview, he explained that Iran expects commercial ships to continue paying for the services Tehran provides.“There will be costs, and these costs must be paid,” Araqchi said.Reuters also reported that Araqchi stressed that Iran, along with Oman, would continue to retain authority over traffic through the strategic waterway.“Our sword will remain hanging over the Strait of Hormuz.” He said.

Iran wants to include Lebanon in the agreement

The BBC reported that the other main Iranian demand is that the agreement not only include Iran, but also include an end to the hostilities in which Hezbollah is participating in Lebanon.Araqchi said that the draft memorandum consists of 14 articles, and that the first phase focuses on ending the conflicts between Iran and Lebanon.Speaking to Iranian state television, he rejected suggestions that Hezbollah could be excluded from any final arrangement.“We will not forget Lebanese Hezbollah in any agreement. Iran will never leave Hezbollah alone” Araqji said.Iran reportedly insisted throughout the negotiations that any ceasefire arrangement must apply “on all fronts, including Lebanon.”

Nuclear talks will come later

Iran also called for separating the ceasefire agreement from negotiations on its nuclear program.According to Araqchi, the current memorandum focuses on ending hostilities and creating conditions for future talks rather than settling nuclear disputes immediately.He added that discussions on the Iranian nuclear program will be postponed to a second phase of 60 days after the signing of the initial agreement.

“All details of the nuclear program are postponed to a round of negotiations that take place after the signing of the memorandum of understanding or letter of intent.” Araqchi said, according to official media.He also suggested that the 60-day period could be extended if necessary.Regarding Iran’s stock of highly enriched uranium, Araqchi said that Tehran prefers a different solution than the one proposed by Washington.“For Tehran, the only preferred solution for its stockpile of highly enriched uranium is to blend the material.” He said.

Iran says there is no final decision yet

Despite reports that the text has been largely agreed upon, Iranian officials continue to warn that approval has not yet been obtained.Araqchi acknowledged that there were different views within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council regarding the proposed conditions.“There are supporters and opponents of the final terms of the deal.” He said.He added that no collective decision has been reached yet.“For now, we have to wait. If approved, the agreement will be signed remotely.”In a separate post on X, Araqchi urged caution about media reports claiming that details of the deal have already been finalized.“Pending its completion, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content.” books.

He added that all details will be announced once the process is completed.“In line with Iran’s responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in a timely manner.”

What does the United States want?

While Iran has focused on easing sanctions and access to shipping and Lebanon, Washington’s priorities focus on nuclear restrictions and regional security.US officials say the proposed agreement would require Iran to:

According to US officials, the agreement will begin with a 60-day negotiation period focusing on Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium.US officials said the ultimate goal is to destroy or eliminate Iran’s highly enriched uranium and impose broader restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities.The United States also made clear that any sanctions relief would be tied to Iran’s compliance.A senior US administration official said that the agreement was based on performance, not trust.“Iran will receive economic benefits only when it can be verified that it has implemented the measures it committed to.”US officials also rejected suggestions that Tehran would receive large sums of money immediately after the signing, saying sanctions relief and access to frozen assets would occur gradually.

Digital signature is now being considered

While previous discussions focused on an in-person signing ceremony in Europe, Iran now says a remote signing is being considered, CBS reported.Speaking to Iranian official media, Araqchi said that the memorandum could be signed digitally before the deadline Announce it publicly.“Once this MoU is signed by both parties, it will be announced and that will be it.”He expressed optimism that a final agreement could be reached soon.“Once the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced.”“This could happen in the coming days. I am very optimistic.”Pakistan, which played a leading role in the mediation efforts, said that Washington and Tehran had already agreed to draft the text and were now discussing implementation.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the negotiations as being at their closest point to success.

Araghchi echoed this assessment.“The Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer” To the end, as he put it.However, both sides acknowledge that final approval is still required before the proposed Islamabad deal can officially take effect.