The United States is reportedly approaching an agreement with Iran regarding a memorandum of understanding aimed at halting hostilities and establishing a framework for more detailed nuclear discussions. This information comes from Axios, citing two American officials and additional sources familiar with the negotiations.
According to the report, the U.S. anticipates responses from Iran on several critical issues within the next 48 hours. The proposed agreement includes Iran’s commitment to a moratorium on uranium enrichment, U.S. agreement to lift sanctions, and the release of billions in frozen Iranian assets. Additionally, both parties would lift restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The memorandum, currently a one-page document with 14 points, is being negotiated between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and various Iranian officials, both directly and through intermediaries. In its present form, the memorandum declares an end to regional conflict and initiates a 30-day period for negotiations aimed at a comprehensive agreement concerning the opening of the Strait, limitations on Iran’s nuclear program, and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.
Sources indicate that the duration of the uranium enrichment moratorium is under active discussion, with proposals ranging from a minimum of 12 years to 15 years, while Iran has suggested a five-year moratorium and the U.S. has called for a 20-year period.
The memorandum also stipulates that Iran will commit to never seeking nuclear weapons and will refrain from activities related to their development. An American official noted that discussions are ongoing regarding Iran’s commitment to not operate underground nuclear facilities and to adhere to enhanced inspection protocols, including emergency inspections by U.N. inspectors.
Under the terms of the memorandum, the U.S. would gradually lift sanctions imposed on Iran and release billions of dollars in frozen assets. Axios sources also indicate that subsequent U.S.-Iran negotiations may take place in Islamabad or Geneva. Should these talks fail, the U.S. military retains the option to reinstate maritime blockades or resume military operations.
On May 5, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the conclusion of Operation Epic Fury against Iran, stating that Washington is transitioning to Project Freedom. Following this, President Donald Trump declared that the Project Freedom operation for facilitating vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would be “temporarily suspended” at Pakistan’s request, which is mediating the talks between the U.S. and Iran. However, the blockade of Iranian ports by the U.S. remains in effect.
Recently, the U.S. initiated the so-called Project Freedom to restore commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which had been halted by Iran.
The U.S. and Iran are reportedly nearing an agreement that could halt hostilities and pave the way for detailed nuclear negotiations. Key points include a moratorium on uranium enrichment and the lifting of U.S. sanctions.
Source: Axios