International Desk
The United States and Iran are reportedly nearing a preliminary agreement to halt hostilities and establish a 30-day framework for comprehensive negotiations. According to a report by Axios, a one-page Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been proposed to address key issues, including Iran’s nuclear program, the lifting of US sanctions, and the restoration of maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
Under the proposed terms, Iran may temporarily suspend its uranium enrichment activities and allow enhanced international monitoring in exchange for a phased lifting of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets. While both nations have made significant progress, the duration of the enrichment freeze remains a point of contention. Negotiators are currently working toward a 12-to-15-year compromise, bridging the gap between the US’s initial 20-year demand and Iran’s 5-year offer.
US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are spearheading the diplomatic efforts, with potential follow-up meetings slated for Islamabad or Geneva. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the progress, expressing hope for long-term regional stability. However, senior Israeli military officials have expressed skepticism, noting that ensuring total maritime security in the narrow and volatile corridors of the Strait of Hormuz remains a complex logistical challenge for the US.