The White House believes it is close to reaching an agreement with Iran based on a one‑page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war and establishing a framework for further negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to a report by Axios citing two US officials and two additional sources with knowledge of the matter.
Awaiting responses within 48 hours
The United States is expecting responses on a number of key issues within the next 48 hours. Nothing has yet been agreed, but the sources say this is the closest the two sides have come since the start of the war.
Core elements of the proposed deal
Among other things, the agreement provides that Iran will commit, under the memorandum, to conditions relating to uranium enrichment. In return, the United States would agree to lift sanctions and unfreeze billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, as well as remove mutual restrictions on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Open outcomes remain
Many of the terms included in the memorandum of understanding are subject to the achievement of a final agreement. This leaves open the possibility of a resumption of hostilities or the continuation of the current limbo, in which fighting has ceased but nothing has been resolved, according to Axios.
Source: CNA