Reuters: US-Iran agreement framework takes shape, Tehran reveals details

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a final draft of a memorandum of understanding with the US outlines a broad set of issues ranging from Iran’s nuclear programme to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and US sanctions waivers on oil, with a comprehensive deal to be negotiated within 60 days after both sides approve the framework.

The Iranian official said the draft memorandum includes the following:

STRAIT OF HORMUZ:

• Iran would immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial shipping, while the United States would lift its naval restrictions on Iranian ports. The removal of the US blockade would start right after the memorandum is signed and be fully completed within 30 days.

FINANCIAL:

• The United States commits to refraining from imposing any new sanctions on Iran until a final agreement is concluded.

• Once a final deal is reached, all US and UN sanctions on Iran would be lifted under an agreed timetable.

• Washington would grant waivers on oil-related sanctions for a defined period, enabling Tehran to export crude and access related revenues.

• The United States would unfreeze $25 billion in Iranian assets, including through direct transfers, regional financial cooperation, and credit arrangements.

• Washington, in coordination with regional partners, would draft a reconstruction and development programme for Iran, to be negotiated and finalised with Tehran within 60 days.

NUCLEAR:

• Tehran agrees it will not seek to develop or obtain nuclear weapons.

• Until a final agreement is concluded, Iran would keep its nuclear programme at its current level, halting further uranium enrichment and any expansion of nuclear facilities.

• The United States would permit Iran to reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium inside the country under a future comprehensive deal.

• Iran’s nuclear programme, enrichment activities, and mechanisms for managing its highly enriched uranium stockpile would be negotiated within 60 days of the memorandum and incorporated into a final agreement.

By Jeyhun Aghazada