Reports suggest a cease-fire agreement with Iran is nearing “finalization,” aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz toll-free, halt hostilities for 60 days, and kickstart intense talks regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
On Saturday, President Trump announced that the United States and Iran were close to finalizing “a Memorandum of Understanding for PEACE.” He mentioned that the final touches on the agreement are being coordinated with Iran and regional allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the terms of this Trump-facilitated accord, the Strait of Hormuz would remain open and toll-free throughout the 60-day truce. Iran is expected to clear the mines it has placed in this vital waterway, allowing for the unrestricted passage of ships, as reported by Axios.
In exchange, the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and ease certain sanctions, thus permitting Iran to resume oil sales, offering Tehran substantial economic relief.
U.S. officials informed The New York Times and Axios that Iran would pledge never to pursue nuclear weapons, halt its uranium enrichment activities, and agree to the elimination of its stockpile of enriched uranium.
Nonetheless, Iranian officials conveyed to The Times that no consensus has been reached on nuclear issues, which are anticipated to be the focus of negotiations during the 60-day cease-fire period.
Trump has made eliminating Iran’s nuclear program a key demand of the cease-fire negotiations, and said preventing the Islamic Republic from ever getting a nuclear weapon was the primary reason that the war was worth the cost.
Both the US and Iran would sign a memorandum of understanding that would last 60 days, but could be extended by mutual consent, according to the official.
US forces that were mobilized in recent months would remain in the region throughout the 60-day period, and would only withdraw if a final deal is reached, according to the official.
The draft deal also demands the end of the war between Israel and the Iranian proxy terror group Hezbollah in Lebanon.
It comes as President Trump said on Saturday that the US was close to reaching an agreement with Iran to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier, a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry said Washington and Tehran were in the “final stage” of drafting a deal, and “may be able to reach a mutually acceptable solution.”
