A confidential draft agreement between the United States and Iran outlines measures to ease nuclear tensions and ease regional conflicts. Central to the deal is Tehran’s commitment to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium on site, reducing its potential use for weapons development. This move follows Iran’s longstanding claim that its nuclear program is peaceful.
In exchange, the US would waive a selection of sanctions imposed on Iran, though the restrictions would not be fully lifted or ended permanently. The waiver would come into effect once the agreement is signed, though the sanctions could potentially be reinstated later. This marks a cautious approach compared to the complete sanction relief under the Obama-era nuclear accord, which the US withdrew from during the previous administration.
The draft also addresses regional security, proposing to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and toll-free for commercial vessels for 60 days, allowing uninterrupted passage through this strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The agreement does not exclude the possibility of reintroducing tolls or fees on shipping after this period.
Additionally, the memorandum contains provisions to uphold Lebanon’s territorial integrity amid recent Israeli attacks against Hezbollah forces. It explicitly requires a halt to military operations in Lebanon upon the agreement’s signing, though Israel has so far rejected any withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
The wording of the memorandum, shared by US officials under anonymity, signals Iran’s pledge not to pursue nuclear weapon development or acquisition. This echoes previous commitments from the 2015 nuclear deal, which the current draft seeks to partially reinstate despite the earlier US withdrawal. Iran has yet to officially release the draft text but suggested the agreement could be signed by both countries’ presidents, which would signify a diplomatic milestone after decades of severed relations following the 1980 hostage crisis.
President Donald Trump expressed doubts about whether the signing ceremony would occur as planned, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of diplomatic agreements. Meanwhile, Iran’s leadership remains divided, with reformist voices pushing for improved Western ties overshadowed by hard-line factions consolidating power after internal unrest.