Iran and the United States are discussing an interim framework that could halt hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, and create space for broader negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, the New York Times reported, citing three senior Iranian officials familiar with the talks.According to the New York Times, the proposed short-term arrangement would result in a 30-day cessation of hostilities while the two sides continue negotiations toward a broader, more permanent agreement. Officials said discussions between the two sides are still ongoing, with negotiators exchanging proposals on the formulation and structure of a potential long-term framework.The proposed interim framework focuses on three immediate steps: lifting the US blockade on Iranian shipping and ports, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial maritime traffic, and ending ongoing military hostilities under the ceasefire agreement.The officials added that the most contentious issues, including sanctions relief, the long-term future of Iran’s nuclear program and the release of Iranian financial assets frozen abroad, would be addressed during the proposed 30-day negotiation period.One of the main sticking points in the negotiations remains Washington’s demand for advance commitments regarding the future of Iran’s nuclear program and its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the New York Times.
Iranian officials said that American negotiators are seeking to reach an agreement in principle under which Iran would transfer its stock of enriched uranium to the United States, close three nuclear facilities, and suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years.The officials also said that Tehran was prepared to commit not to seek nuclear weapons and to suspend uranium enrichment, although discussions continued over the duration and terms of any such suspension.The officials said Tehran instead proposed diluting part of its uranium stockpile and transferring the rest to a third country, possibly Russia.Under the Iranian proposal, uranium enrichment would be suspended for a period of between 10 and 15 years, although no agreement has been reached on the future of the three nuclear facilities.
