The United States and Iran appear to be moving closer to a possible peace agreement that could bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and ease pressure on global oil markets.
Recent comments from top officials on both sides suggest negotiations have made significant progress, although major issues particularly Iran’s nuclear programme and the future of the Strait of Hormuz, remain unresolved.
Signs Of Progress In Iran-US Talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that positive developments could emerge soon after Donald Trump revealed that an agreement had been “largely negotiated.”
Trump also stated that the proposed deal would include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
On the Iranian side, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei acknowledged improving relations with Washington.
“There is a trend towards rapprochement,”
However, he cautioned that:
“it does not necessarily mean that we and the United States will reach an agreement on the important issues.”
Baqaei explained that Iran’s immediate goal was to first establish “a memorandum of understanding, a kind of framework agreement,” before pursuing a final agreement within 30 to 60 days.
Nuclear Programme Remains Sensitive Issue
According to Baqaei, Iran’s nuclear programme will not be included in the initial framework agreement and will instead be addressed during later negotiations.
However, reports by the New York Times, citing unnamed US officials, suggested that one aspect of the proposed deal could involve Iran giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Iranian media outlets Fars News Agency and Tasnim News Agency denied that Tehran had made any such commitment.
“Iran has made no commitment in this agreement to hand over nuclear stockpiles, remove equipment, shut down facilities, or even commit not to build a nuclear bomb,”
Both agencies reported that discussions concerning nuclear-related matters would take place within 60 days after the initial understanding is signed.
Debate Over The Strait Of Hormuz
One of the biggest issues in the negotiations remains the future of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been under Iranian control since the conflict escalated.
Iran has insisted that all ships passing through the waterway must obtain approval from its military forces.
Trump announced that:
“in addition to many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened,”
The statement raised hopes of relief for global energy markets already impacted by rising oil prices.
Despite this, Iranian media reports suggested Tehran would still maintain authority over the strategic route.
According to Tasnim:
“the status of the Strait of Hormuz would not revert to its pre-war situation.”
The report also indicated that any US naval blockade affecting Iranian ports would need to end within 30 days under the proposed framework.
Frozen Assets And Sanctions Relief
Another major aspect of the discussions involves Iran’s demand for access to frozen assets blocked under longstanding US sanctions.
Tasnim reported that Iran insists any agreement must begin with at least partial access to those funds.
“Iran has stressed that there will be no agreement unless a specified portion of Iran’s frozen assets is released at the very first stage”
Iran is also reportedly seeking guarantees for the continued release of blocked funds throughout negotiations.
Meanwhile, Fars News Agency claimed the proposed arrangement could include temporary US sanctions relief on Iran’s oil, gas and petrochemical sectors during the negotiation period.
Could Lebanon Be Part Of The Deal?
The ongoing conflict involving Hezbollah and Israeli military operations in Lebanon may also form part of the wider peace discussions.
Iran has repeatedly argued that any ceasefire agreement should cover all fronts connected to the regional conflict, including Lebanon.
Tasnim reported that the proposed memorandum of understanding would focus on ending hostilities “on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”
It added:
“Under the arrangement, Israel, as a US ally, would also be expected to halt the war in Lebanon,”
Baqaei also confirmed that ending the wider conflict currently takes priority over discussions about Iran’s nuclear programme.
“at this stage, we will not discuss the details of the nuclear issue… we have decided to prioritise an urgent issue for all of us: ending the war on all fronts including Lebanon.”
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