- Iran agrees not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons.
- US to lift oil sanctions, release frozen assets.
- Strait of Hormuz opens for commercial vessels.
A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a proposed peace agreement between the United States and Iran has reportedly been reached, covering critical issues such as Iran's nuclear program, relief from oil sanctions, the release of frozen assets and the Strait of Hormuz.
As a part of the framework, Tehran has agreed that it will neither produce nuclear weapons nor acquire them from any other country.
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What's Inside The Draft Memorandum?
According to Reuters, Iran has agreed to maintain the status quo on its nuclear program, including no further uranium enrichment or expansion of new nuclear facilities. The draft framework establishes a period of 60 days during which detailed discussions will take place to formulate a final agreement.
Under the agreement, once signed, Iran will open the strategic Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels from all countries in exchange for the US lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
While US President Donald Trump expressed hope for the pact to be signed on Sunday, Iranian policymakers and technical experts are currently reviewing the draft's political, legal, and technical frameworks. According to a report by Iran's Fars News Agency, Tehran has not yet made a final decision on signing the draft agreement.
Qatari Delegation Arrives In Tehran
A delegation led by Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has arrived in Tehran. The team is serving as a mediator for the exchange of messages between the US and Iran.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stated that the agreement will be electronically signed.
ALSO READ: West Asia Crisis: Trump Says US-Iran Deal To Be Signed Today; Tehran Disputes Timing
Hardliners Stage Massive Protest In Iran
The hardliners in Iran staged a protest on Saturday to oppose the agreement. The protestors reportedly raised slogans against Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
As per the hardliners, the interests of Iran will be compromised in the deal proposed by the Trump administration. The protestors gathered outside the foreign ministry after Araghchi discussed the proposed agreement during an interview.
The hardliners raised radical slogans, including "Death to Araghchi, the dishonourable compromiser," "Araghchi, have shame, stop giving in," and "Death to dishonourable Araghchi, the infiltrator," reported AFP. The protestors also reportedly asked the senior office bearers to step down instead of agreeing to these proposals. They criticised Araghchi for making too many concessions in order to secure an agreement with the Trump administration.
Key Terms Of The Proposed US-Iran Draft Agreement
- Iran has agreed to open the strategic Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels from all countries.
- In return, the US will lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports. The process of lifting the blockade will begin immediately after the signing of the MoU and conclude within 30 days.
- The US will not impose any sanctions on Iran until a final agreement is reached. Following a final agreement, all US and UN sanctions will be lifted as per stipulated timelines.
- The US will temporarily ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports, allowing Iran to sell oil and generate revenue during this period.
- The US will release USD 25 billion in frozen Iranian assets and funds. These funds will be transferred through direct cash transfers, cooperation with regional countries, and financial credit lines.
- The US and its regional allies will prepare a reconstruction and development plan for Iran, which will be negotiated within 60 days.
(With Inputs From Jagran.com And Agencies)
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