US and Iran on the Brink of Historic Deal? Trump's Approval Pending, Details Emerge

Reports suggest that the United States and Iran are nearing a significant agreement that could extend a fragile truce for 60 days, potentially opening the door to negotiations on Iran's nuclear program. This development marks a potential major diplomatic shift in the ongoing crisis between Washington and Tehran.

According to information published by Axios, the draft agreement represents a framework intended to bring both parties to the negotiating table, with key issues to be resolved later. U.S. officials have indicated that the terms were largely agreed upon earlier in the week, but final approval from the highest political levels is pending. While Iranian negotiators have reportedly secured the necessary authorizations, Tehran has not yet officially confirmed its readiness to sign the memorandum.

U.S. negotiators have presented the details of the agreement to President Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering the proposal and has asked for several days to review it before granting final approval. This is not the first instance where Washington and Tehran have appeared close to a deal; previous negotiation phases saw the U.S. administration believe an agreement was within reach, only for talks to falter.

The draft memorandum outlines several key points. It aims to ensure "unrestricted" navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, prohibiting passage fees and vessel harassment, and requires Iran to clear all mines from the strait within 30 days. Concurrently, the U.S. naval blockade would be gradually eased as commercial maritime traffic resumes. The agreement also includes Iran's pledge not to develop nuclear weapons. Initial negotiations during the 60-day period would focus on the status of highly enriched uranium and Iran's enrichment activities. In return, the U.S. would engage in discussions regarding sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. A mechanism to facilitate Iran's access to goods and humanitarian aid is also part of the proposed framework.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, recent days have seen two incidents involving U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. One U.S. official noted that Iran now has an opportunity to "liberate its economy," suggesting internal support within Iran for a different direction in relations with the West. The U.S. side asserts that the memorandum contains no secret clauses or hidden agreements concerning sanctions or financial resources for Iran.