Even though there are currently no indications that a formal agreement will be signed on Sunday, despite US President Donald Trump's assertion a day earlier, a senior Iranian official has provided fresh details about the broad framework of a potential understanding being discussed between Tehran and Washington.
Speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, the official said that both sides are working on a draft memorandum of understanding that addresses several critical issues, including Iran's nuclear programme, the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief, and broader economic cooperation. According to the official, the memorandum would serve as an interim framework, while negotiations on a comprehensive and long-term agreement would continue for an additional 60 days after the document is signed.
The official outlined several key provisions that are currently under discussion as part of the proposed framework.
One of the most significant components of the draft agreement concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. According to the Iranian official, Tehran would be required to immediately reopen the strait to international shipping and commercial traffic once the memorandum comes into effect. In return, the United States would begin easing its naval blockade on Iranian ports.
The official said that the process of lifting restrictions on Iranian maritime activity would start immediately after the signing of the memorandum and would be completed within a period of 30 days. The reopening of the strait is viewed as a critical element of the proposed arrangement, given its importance to global energy supplies and international trade.
The draft framework also includes provisions aimed at providing economic relief to Iran while broader negotiations continue. Under the proposal, the United States would refrain from imposing any additional sanctions on Iran during the period in which discussions on a final agreement remain ongoing.
Following the successful conclusion of a comprehensive agreement, the United States, along with its allies, would begin lifting both US and United Nations sanctions on Iran according to a mutually agreed schedule. The official said the process would be gradual and linked to compliance with the terms of the final settlement.
As part of the economic package, the proposal also includes a temporary waiver of US oil-related sanctions. This measure would allow Iran to resume oil exports and regain access to revenues generated through those sales, providing an immediate boost to the country's economy.
Additionally, the framework reportedly calls for the release of approximately $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets. According to the official, the funds would be made available through a combination of direct financial transfers, regional banking cooperation, and various credit arrangements designed to facilitate economic recovery.
The proposal further envisions the preparation of a broader reconstruction and economic development programme for Iran. This initiative would be developed by the United States and its regional partners in consultation with Tehran. Negotiations on the details of the programme would take place during the 60 days following the signing of the memorandum, to finalise a comprehensive economic roadmap.
The nuclear component of the proposed agreement remains one of its most sensitive aspects. Under the draft framework, Iran would formally commit to not developing, acquiring, or pursuing nuclear weapons.
Until a final agreement is reached, Tehran would maintain the current status of its nuclear programme and would refrain from carrying out additional uranium enrichment activities or expanding its nuclear infrastructure. These measures are intended to preserve stability while negotiations continue.
The official also stated that the United States would permit Iran, under a future comprehensive agreement, to dilute its existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium within the country. However, several major issues relating to the future of Iran's nuclear programme would remain unresolved at the memorandum stage.
Questions concerning long-term uranium enrichment levels, the management and disposal of highly enriched uranium stockpiles, verification mechanisms, and other technical aspects of the nuclear programme would be negotiated during the 60 days following the signing of the memorandum. The outcomes of those discussions would then be incorporated into a comprehensive final agreement intended to establish a longer-term framework for relations between the two countries.
