Iran-US Peace Agreement: After more than three months of conflict in the Middle East, diplomatic efforts to secure a peace deal between Iran and the United States appear to have made significant progress.
According to multiple reports, Tehran and Washington have agreed on a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending the current fragile ceasefire for another 60 days while opening formal negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Despite the reported breakthrough, US Vice President JD Vance said the proposed framework still awaits final approval from President Donald Trump.
"It's hard to say exactly when or if the president is going to sign the MOU," Vance said.
"We're going back and forth on a couple of language points. We've made a lot of progress here."
Meanwhile, Iran’s Tasnim news agency, citing a source close to the negotiations, reported that the text of the agreement has not yet been finalised. The report added that Pakistan would be informed if a deal is officially reached.
Iranian local media sources also said that any agreement would only be considered valid once formally announced by Tehran, and not solely by Trump.
If finalised, the proposed MoU would act as a preliminary framework for wider negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme, the future of US sanctions, and a possible formal end to the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, a report by Axios, suggests that US and Iranian negotiators have reached a tentative 60-day agreement to extend a fragile ceasefire and open the way for formal talks on Iran’s nuclear programme.
What does the proposed deal include?
The proposals of the draft MoU reportedly include unrestricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, removal of mines within 30 days, and a gradual lifting of the US naval blockade. It also proposes sanctions waivers allowing Iran to sell oil and receive humanitarian aid.
The draft further says Iran will commit not to pursue nuclear weapons. However, both sides will begin talks on Iran’s enriched uranium and nuclear enrichment programme.
According to Axios and The New York Times, one of the first issues during the proposed 60-day negotiation period would be the disposal of Iran’s nearly 970-pound uranium stockpile, along with establishing rules governing future enrichment activities.
Reports also suggest negotiators will need to address nearly 10 tonnes of nuclear material enriched at lower levels.
The United States is additionally expected to discuss easing economic sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets. Axios reported that both sides may also work on mechanisms to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid and essential goods into Iran.
However, The New York Times noted that the final written agreement may differ from verbal understandings reached privately between the two sides.
The proposed deal is also expected to include provisions linked to ending the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has reportedly triggered tense discussions between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Israel has recently intensified its military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah.
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The Middle East conflict started following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability since February 28.