The US and Iran have agreed on a draft ceasefire memorandum; a decision is now awaited from Trump
Negotiators from the US and Iran have reached an agreement on a 60-day memorandum of understanding designed to extend the ceasefire and launch talks on Iran’s nuclear programme, Axios reports.
According to two US officials, most of the document’s provisions had been agreed by Tuesday. However, both sides still needed to secure approval from their senior leadership.
US officials claim that the Iranian side subsequently reported that it had received the necessary approvals and was ready to sign the document. Iran has not officially confirmed this information.
Following the conclusion of the talks, US representatives briefed President Donald Trump on the details of the agreements. According to one of the officials, the White House chief requested a few days to make a final decision.
In Washington, it is noted that the signing of the memorandum could be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the start of the war. At the same time, a final agreement on the nuclear programme will require further intensive negotiations.
The document stipulates that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain unrestricted. According to an American official, this means no transit fees and no obstacles to the movement of vessels. Iran must also remove all sea mines from the strait within 30 days.
Furthermore, there are plans for the phased lifting of the US naval blockade in line with the resumption of commercial shipping.
The memorandum also contains a commitment by Iran not to develop nuclear weapons. The first issues for negotiation during the 60-day period are to be the fate of stocks of highly enriched uranium and the issue of Iranian uranium enrichment.
For its part, the US undertakes to discuss the possible easing of sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian assets as part of the negotiation process. The document also provides for discussions on a mechanism to facilitate the delivery of goods and humanitarian aid to Iran.
