2 days ago

Washington and Tehran Move Closer to Historical Peace Agreement

Critical consultations target comprehensive ceasefire and strategic relief on Iranian oil sanctions

Washington and Tehran Move Closer to Historical Peace Agreement

Washington and Tehran are intensifying last-minute consultations to secure a memorandum of understanding for a broad peace pact. On Saturday (23), US President Donald Trump confirmed via social media that he held phone calls with leaders of key regional players involved in the diplomatic push, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan, which is operating as the primary mediator.

However, media outlets from both sides are reporting conflicting details regarding the framework. The Iranian news agency Tasnim claims the draft includes provisions to halt combat across all fronts, including Lebanon, alongside a temporary freeze on sanctions crippling Iranian crude oil and other key exports while negotiations remain active.

The proposed diplomatic timeline outlines the following schedule:

  • 30-day window: Period dedicated to resolving the US naval blockade and maritime status of the Strait of Hormuz.

  • 60-day window: Concurrent timeframe allocated for high-level talks regarding the atomic issue.

According to The Wall Street Journal, citing US and mediating officials, the White House is on the verge of accepting a framework giving both nations 30 days to seal a final treaty, with an option to extend the deadline for another month if required. Conversely, the news website Axios reported, through an American official, that the initial memorandum would remain valid for a fixed 60-day duration.

Washington and Tehran Move Closer to Historical Peace Agreement

Logistics safeguards and deep divisions over the atomic program

Under the reported terms, the Strait of Hormuz would remain fully open and toll-free throughout the negotiation phase. In return, the US would lift its restrictions on Iranian ports and grant sanctions waivers, allowing Tehran to resume unrestricted oil commerce on the global market. Nevertheless, the Tasnim agency underscores that Iran intends to maintain strict sovereignty and control over the Strait of Hormuz regardless of the pact.

The primary point of friction lies within the nuclear development narrative. While Axios reports that the draft obligates Tehran to permanently renounce nuclear weapons, halt uranium enrichment, and address its highly enriched stockpiles, Iranian media offers a starkly different view. Tasnim asserts that Tehran has rejected any concessions regarding its atomic capabilities, demanding instead the immediate unfreezing of its foreign financial assets.

Source: NHK