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US, Iran on Verge of Signing Ceasefire, Hormuz Deal
(MENAFN) Washington and Tehran are on the verge of formalizing a 60-day ceasefire agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, restore Iranian oil exports and open a negotiating window on Tehran's nuclear program, a US official familiar with the draft disclosed to media.
The unfinalized deal could be announced as early as Sunday, though officials cautioned it could still unravel before signatures are secured.
Under the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and permit vessels to transit without fees. In exchange, Washington would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue limited sanctions waivers allowing Tehran to sell oil freely for 60 days.
A US official described the framework as "relief for performance" — meaning economic concessions would follow verified Iranian steps rather than be extended upfront.
The draft also includes Iranian commitments to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons and to negotiate the suspension of uranium enrichment and removal of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Broader sanctions relief and unfreezing of Iranian funds would be discussed during the ceasefire window but implemented only under a verified final agreement.
US forces deployed to the region would remain in place throughout the 60-day period and would withdraw only if a permanent deal is reached.
The arrangement also appears linked to efforts to end the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns about that condition during a Saturday call with Trump, though a US official confirmed Israel would retain the right to act if Hezbollah attempted to rearm or resume attacks.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have all backed the diplomatic push. Pakistan has played a pivotal mediation role, with Field Marshal Asim Munir traveling to Tehran to help bridge remaining gaps. The White House expressed hope that outstanding issues could be resolved within hours, though officials warned the ceasefire could be terminated early if Washington concludes Iran is not genuinely engaging on nuclear issues.
The unfinalized deal could be announced as early as Sunday, though officials cautioned it could still unravel before signatures are secured.
Under the draft memorandum of understanding, Iran would clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz and permit vessels to transit without fees. In exchange, Washington would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue limited sanctions waivers allowing Tehran to sell oil freely for 60 days.
A US official described the framework as "relief for performance" — meaning economic concessions would follow verified Iranian steps rather than be extended upfront.
The draft also includes Iranian commitments to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons and to negotiate the suspension of uranium enrichment and removal of its highly enriched uranium stockpile. Broader sanctions relief and unfreezing of Iranian funds would be discussed during the ceasefire window but implemented only under a verified final agreement.
US forces deployed to the region would remain in place throughout the 60-day period and would withdraw only if a permanent deal is reached.
The arrangement also appears linked to efforts to end the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly raised concerns about that condition during a Saturday call with Trump, though a US official confirmed Israel would retain the right to act if Hezbollah attempted to rearm or resume attacks.
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have all backed the diplomatic push. Pakistan has played a pivotal mediation role, with Field Marshal Asim Munir traveling to Tehran to help bridge remaining gaps. The White House expressed hope that outstanding issues could be resolved within hours, though officials warned the ceasefire could be terminated early if Washington concludes Iran is not genuinely engaging on nuclear issues.
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