- The United States will “lift” the blockade of Iranian ports according to an agreement.
- Sanctions waivers to ‘allow’ Iranian oil exports again.
- Iran “commits” not to pursue the ability to develop nuclear weapons.
The United States and Iran are close to signing an agreement that involves a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened, Iran would be able to sell oil freely. axios reported on Saturday, citing a US official.
According to the report, negotiations would be held to curb Iran’s nuclear program and, during the 60-day period, the Strait of Hormuz would be open without tolls. Iran would agree to clear the mines it placed in the strait to allow free passage for ships, the source added.
In exchange, as part of the proposed deal, the United States would lift its blockade of Iranian ports and issue some sanctions waivers to allow Iran to sell oil freely, the report added.
The draft deal also includes commitments by Iran to never pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate the suspension of its uranium enrichment program and the elimination of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, according to the Axios report.
Iran gave the United States, through mediators, verbal commitments on the extent of concessions it is willing to make on suspending enrichment and handing over nuclear material, two sources told Axios.
The United States would also agree to negotiate the lifting of sanctions and the unfreezing of Iranian funds during the 60-day period, according to the Axios report.
The White House did not immediately respond to Reuters’ Request for comments on the report.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said a “extensively negotiated” memorandum of understanding on a peace deal with Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump posted on social media that the emerging deal would reopen the strait, the vital sea passage whose closure has sparked a global energy crisis since the United States and Israel launched war against Iran in February. He did not say what else would be included in the deal.
“The final aspects and details of the agreement are currently being discussed and will be announced shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
U Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting India, said more news on Iran could arrive on Sunday and there was a possibility of good news across the Strait in the coming hours.
“Issues still need to be discussed”
Separately, Iran has said diplomatic discussions this week have shown progress toward easing tensions, although several important issues still require further negotiations through mediators.
“The trend this week has been towards a reduction in disputes, but there are still issues that need to be discussed through mediators. We will have to wait and see where the situation ends up in the next three or four days,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei.
Baghaei said the issue of the US blockade of Iranian shipping was important, but his priority was ending the threat of further US attacks and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is fighting Israeli troops who have moved south.
