The White House believes it is nearing a deal with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding intended to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations, Axios reports, citing two U.S. officials and two other sources familiar with the matter, according to UNN.
Details
The U.S. is awaiting Iranian responses on several key points within the next 48 hours. Nothing has been finalized yet, but sources stated that "this is the closest the parties have been to a deal since the start of the war."
Among other provisions, the agreement would involve an Iranian commitment to a moratorium on nuclear uranium enrichment, U.S. agreement to lift sanctions and return billions in frozen Iranian funds, and the lifting of transit restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz by both sides.
Many of the terms outlined in the memorandum would depend on reaching a final agreement, leaving open the possibility of a resumption of war or a prolonged state of uncertainty in which the "hot" war has stopped but nothing is truly resolved.
The White House believes the Iranian leadership is divided, and it may be difficult to reach a consensus among various factions. Some U.S. officials remain skeptical about reaching even an initial agreement, the publication writes.
U.S. officials have expressed optimism about a deal several times during previous rounds of negotiations and during the current war, but have yet to achieve one.
However, two U.S. officials stated that President Trump's decision to call off a recently announced operation in the Strait of Hormuz and avoid disrupting a fragile ceasefire was based on progress in the negotiations.
US suspends escorting of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump awaits deal with Iran06.05.26, 02:50
The 14-point one-page memorandum of understanding is being discussed between Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several Iranian officials, both directly and through intermediaries.
In its current form, the memorandum of understanding would announce an end to the war in the region and the start of a 30-day negotiation period for a detailed agreement on opening the strait, limiting Iran's nuclear program, and lifting U.S. sanctions.
These negotiations could take place in Islamabad or Geneva, two sources said.
According to a U.S. official, Iran's restrictions on shipping through the strait and the U.S. naval blockade would be phased out during this 30-day period.
If negotiations fail, U.S. forces could resume the blockade or restart military actions, a U.S. official said.
Trump could order the resumption of war with Iran as early as this week - Axios06.05.26, 08:37
The duration of the uranium enrichment moratorium is being actively discussed, with three sources claiming it will be at least 12 years, and one naming 15 years as a likely "landing spot." Iran proposed a 5-year enrichment moratorium, while the U.S. demanded 20 years.
The U.S. wants to add a provision whereby any violation of enrichment rules by Iran would extend the moratorium, a source said. Iran would be able to enrich uranium to a low level of 3.67% after it expires.
In the memorandum of understanding, Iran would commit to never seeking nuclear weapons or conducting activities related to their development. According to a U.S. official, the parties are discussing a clause in which Iran would commit not to operate underground nuclear facilities.
According to a U.S. official, Iran would also commit to an enhanced inspection regime, including snap inspections by UN inspectors.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the U.S. would commit to gradually lifting sanctions imposed on Iran and gradually releasing billions of dollars in Iranian funds frozen worldwide.
Two knowledgeable sources also claimed that Iran would agree to remove its highly enriched uranium from the country, a key U.S. priority that Tehran has resisted until now.
One source said an option to move the material to the U.S. is being discussed.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that "we don't need to write the agreement itself in one day."
"This is a very complex and technical issue. But we need a diplomatic solution that clearly defines the topics they are willing to negotiate on and the scope of concessions they are willing to make at the start for it to be beneficial," he added.
But Rubio also called some of Iran's top leaders "crazy" and said it was unclear if they would strike a deal.