The United States and Iran are close to signing a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) containing the basic framework for ending their war and resolving the nuclear issue, according to foreign media reports. With U.S. President Donald Trump stating that significant progress has been made in negotiations with Iran, attention is focused on whether the two countries can reach a compromise.
U.S. online outlet Axios reported Thursday, citing multiple sources, that the United States and Iran are nearing completion of a 14-point MOU containing the basic principles for ending the war and detailed nuclear negotiations. The White House is reportedly waiting for Iran's response to arrive within 48 hours. While a final agreement has not yet been reached, negotiations have advanced to the most progressed stage since the outbreak of the war, according to Axios.
According to the report, the MOU includes a temporary suspension (moratorium) of Iran's nuclear enrichment, U.S. lifting of sanctions on Iran and partial release of frozen assets, gradual lifting of Iran's restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and gradual lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Iran. The two sides are considering a plan to conclude negotiations finalizing detailed terms over the next 30 days after signing the MOU.
In particular, regarding Iran's nuclear issue, a plan for Iran to ship some of its highly enriched uranium abroad is also reportedly being discussed. A scenario of transferring the material to the United States is also under consideration. Iran is expected to commit to halting activities related to abandoning nuclear weapons development, prohibiting the operation of underground nuclear facilities, and accepting an enhanced verification system including surprise inspections by the United Nations, the outlet reported.
The United States is considering gradually easing sanctions on Iran and sequentially releasing some Iranian assets held abroad if the agreement is smoothly implemented. However, some observers say the possibility of renewed military conflict cannot be ruled out if negotiations ultimately collapse.
Reuters also reported, citing Pakistani sources, that the Axios report is accurate. "We will wrap this up quickly," one source told Reuters. "We are getting close to an agreement."
