After weeks of back-channel diplomacy involving Pakistani and Qatari mediators, Washington and Tehran appear closer than ever to a framework that could halt one of theMiddle East's most dangerous conflicts. The proposed memorandum of understanding would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while creating space for negotiations onIran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and broader regional security issues.
Yet despite reports of a breakthrough, US Vice President JD Vance cautioned that President Donald Trump has not yet approved the framework, saying negotiators are still debating several key provisions.
Iranian officials have also downplayed suggestions that a final agreement has already been reached, insisting that any deal will only be considered complete once formally announced by Tehran. The differing public positions underline the complexity of negotiations that could determine the future of the Iran conflict and stability across the Gulf.
At the heart of the proposed deal lies the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical energy chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies normally transit. According to reports cited in the negotiations, Iran would agree to remove naval mines from the waterway within 30 days and guarantee unrestricted commercial navigation without tolls or interference. In return, the United States would begin easing maritime restrictions and eventually scale back its blockade if shipping traffic returns to normal levels.
An anti-US billboard depicting American aircraft being caught by Iranian armed forces in a fishing net beneath the words in Farsi, “The Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, The entire Persian Gulf is our hunting ground,” in Tehran.
However, a major disagreement remains. Iranian negotiators reportedly expect the blockade to be lifted within a month, while American officials favour a phased approach tied to measurable restoration of commercial traffic through the strait. That difference could prove one of the toughest obstacles to overcome before any agreement is signed.
The draft framework also places Iran's nuclear programme at the centre of future talks. Under the reported proposal, Tehran would commit not to pursue nuclear weapons while negotiations begin on the future of its enriched uranium stockpiles. Initial discussions would reportedly focus on approximately 970 pounds of highly enriched uranium as well as broader rules governing Iran's enrichment activities. Negotiators would also have to address roughly ten tonnes of lower-enriched nuclear material currently held by Iran.
The issue remains politically sensitive for both sides. Washington views uranium disposal as essential for any lasting agreement, while Tehran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are peaceful and sovereign in nature.
Another major component of the proposed agreement involves economic relief. The United States is expected to discuss sanctions easing, humanitarian access and mechanisms allowing Iran to recover some of its frozen overseas assets. Iran is believed to have around $24 billion frozen abroad and has sought access to as much as $20 billion of those funds.
The exact sequencing remains unclear. While Iranian officials reportedly want rapid financial relief, American negotiators appear to favour linking any sanctions rollback to progress in nuclear and maritime commitments.
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