The United States and Iran are close to signing a 60-day draft agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, allow some sanctions relief for Iranian oil sales and open negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, a U.S. official told Axios.
President Trump and mediators involved in the talks have indicated an announcement could come Sunday. The agreement has not been finalized and could still collapse.
Under the proposed terms, Iran would clear the mines it placed in the Strait of Hormuz and allow commercial shipping to pass without tolls. The U.S. would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue some sanctions waivers allowing Iran to sell oil on international markets, the official said.
Iran pushed for immediate asset releases and permanent sanctions relief. The U.S. side said those steps would come only after tangible concessions were made. Trump’s stated condition is “relief for performance,” the official said.
The draft memorandum of understanding includes Iranian commitments to never develop nuclear weapons and to negotiate a halt to uranium enrichment and the removal of its highly enriched uranium stockpile, the U.S. official said. Two sources with knowledge of the talks told Axios that Iran passed verbal commitments through mediators on how far it is willing to go on those concessions.
American forces already in the region would remain there throughout the 60-day period and withdraw only if a final deal is reached, the official said. The draft agreement also calls for an end to the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
On Saturday, Trump held a call with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan. All expressed support for the deal, three sources familiar with the call told Axios.
Pakistan has led the mediation effort. Field Marshal Asim Munir traveled to Tehran on Friday and Saturday to push the agreement toward completion.
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