The United States and Iran are close to signing a proposed agreement that would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iran to resume oil exports while negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program continue, according to US media outlet Axios.According to the report, the draft memorandum of understanding will allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without fees within a period of 60 days, while Iran will remove mines spread in the waterway to restore shipping traffic.In return, the United States will lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue sanctions exemptions enabling Iran to sell oil freely, according to Axios, citing a US official.The proposed agreement will include talks on curbing Iranian nuclear activities.
Key points of the proposed deal
Extending the ceasefire for 60 days:
- The United States and Iran are scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding for a period of 60 days, which can be extended if both sides agree.
Re-opening the Strait of Hormuz:
- Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz and remove mines scattered in the waterway to allow free movement of ships and oil tankers.
There are no shipping fees:
- Commercial ships will be allowed to pass through the strait without fees or restrictions.
The United States eases economic pressures:
- In return, the United States will lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue sanctions exemptions so that Iran can freely export oil.
“Relief for Performance” Model:
- The Trump administration will offer sanctions relief and freeze Iranian funds only after Tehran makes verifiable concessions.
Iran’s nuclear commitments:
Iran is committed to the following:
- Never seek nuclear weapons
- Negotiating a halt to uranium enrichment
- Discussing the removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium
Further nuclear negotiations during the truce:
- The two sides will continue talks during the 60-day period on a broader nuclear agreement and permanent sanctions relief.
American forces will remain in the region temporarily:
- The American forces deployed in recent months in the Middle East will remain during the negotiation phase and will not withdraw until a final agreement is reached.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah until the end:
- The draft agreement is said to include an understanding to stop the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Israel reserves the right to act against Hezbollah threats:
- According to US officials, Israel will still be allowed to respond if Hezbollah attempts to rearm itself or launch attacks.
Possible broader reset in relationships:
- If Iran accepts Trump’s nuclear demands, the United States could move toward restoring economic relations and helping Iran re-integrate economically.
Nuclear talks remain of central importance
The proposed agreement is said to include pledges from Iran that it will never seek to possess nuclear weapons, and that it will negotiate a suspension of uranium enrichment and the removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.According to Axios, Iran has already made verbal commitments through mediators regarding concessions it may be willing to make on enrichment and nuclear materials.This development comes after the New York Times reported that one of the key elements of the proposed agreement is a “clear commitment” by Tehran to give up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, citing US officials.
According to the report, details about how Iran will hand over its uranium stockpile will be discussed in a later round of nuclear negotiations. Iran currently possesses about 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60%, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.Iranian officials had previously resisted including the uranium issue in the initial phase of the talks and wanted to postpone it to later negotiations.
Trump says the agreement is close and Iran is cautious
US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the largely negotiated peace memorandum was nearing completion, and claimed that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened under the agreement.“The final aspects and details of the deal are currently being discussed and will be announced soon,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.However, Iran’s Fars News Agency disputed Trump’s claim about the strait, saying Iran would continue to manage the waterway and calling Trump’s comments “contradictory to reality.”Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said, “There are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators,” stressing that Tehran’s priority remains ending threats of renewed American attacks and addressing the conflict in Lebanon.
Pakistan-led mediation efforts
Pakistan emerged as the main mediator in the talks. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir recently met with senior Iranian leaders, including chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, in Tehran.The leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan endorsed 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 launching a 30-day negotiating window to reach a broader nuclear agreement.Axios also reported that US forces mobilized in the region will remain deployed during the 60-day period and will not withdraw unless a final agreement is reached.
Concerns about Israel and global oil markets
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns about parts of the proposed agreement during a phone call with Trump, particularly provisions related to ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Axios.The agreement is closely watched globally because the Strait of Hormuz handles a large share of global oil shipments. The closure of the waterway since the beginning of the war has severely disrupted global energy markets.Oil prices and shipping routes remained volatile amid uncertainty surrounding the conflict and negotiations.Iran has demanded an end to the US blockade on shipping and an easing of sanctions as part of the talks.