United States Tensions with Iran Ease as Peace Deal Nears Remote Signing
United States tensions with Iran have shown signs of easing after the two sides signaled that a peace agreement to end their war is close. Iran's foreign minister stated a memorandum of understanding could be signed remotely in the coming days.
US-Iran Peace Deal Nears Completion
Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that a draft agreement to end the war with the United States could be signed remotely within days. [2] Negotiations had reached their final stages according to the minister. [2] The framework would address the US naval blockade and the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz. [2] Iran's foreign minister also said a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States could be signed remotely in the coming days. [3] Iran's decision-making bodies were meeting to discuss the memorandum. [5] A senior US administration official said a text was in place that both sides like. [5] The United States and Iran signaled on Friday that an agreement to end their war was close. [5]
Key Terms in the Proposed Memorandum
Iranian media reported some of the terms for a potential ceasefire deal with the United States. [2] These included a 60-day negotiation period to agree to a nuclear deal. [2] The terms also covered the release of frozen Iranian assets. [2] Another element was the permanent cessation of the war on all fronts including Lebanon. [2] Leaked terms of the proposed memorandum of understanding appeared to favor Iran. [5] All accounts offered Tehran much of what it has demanded so far. [5] Trump appeared to win little beyond the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz which Iran shut after the US and Israel launched attacks in February. [5] A senior US administration official said the deal was specific about opening the strait and the removal of enriched nuclear material. [5] The official said Iran will get significant sanctions relief based on how they perform under any deal. [5]
Reactions from Trump and US Officials
US President Donald Trump posted a message lashing out at "very dishonourable" Iranians in response to Iran's reports on an alleged deal. [2] Trump dismissed the reports as inaccurate. [5] A senior US administration official said a text both sides like is in place. [5] The official confirmed the text is specific about opening the Strait of Hormuz and removal of enriched nuclear material. [5] The official added that Iran will get significant sanctions relief based on performance under any deal. [5]
Pakistan's Brokering Role
Pakistan which has for weeks sought to broker a deal stated a final text of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been reached. [5] Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps according to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. [5] The prime minister made the statement in a post on X. [5]
Trump Halts Uranium Seizure Plan
Trump halted a US military plan to forcibly seize Iran's uranium. [4] The president reportedly paused the plan after being warned it could trigger severe Iranian retaliation. [4] The warning also noted the plan could prolong the conflict. [4] Further destabilization of the global economy was another cited risk. [4]
What to watch next is the possible remote signing of the memorandum of understanding in the coming days as Iran's decision-making bodies continue their discussions and Pakistan works with both sides on next steps.
