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Iran Says 14-Point US Deal Near as Hormuz, Asset Disputes Persist
(MENAFN) Iran is zeroing in on concluding a memorandum of understanding with the United States to bring the active conflict to a close, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Saturday — while drawing a firm line between Washington and the sensitive question of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Our approach has been to draft a 14-point memorandum of understanding that includes the most important issues necessary for ending the war and matters that are fundamental for us," Baghaei said, as reported by an Iranian state-affiliated news agency.
"We are in the final stage of finalizing this memorandum of understanding," he added.
Baghaei outlined the core pillars of the proposed agreement as the cessation of hostilities, the lifting of the US naval blockade, and the repatriation of Iran's frozen foreign assets. He acknowledged, however, that Tehran and Washington "have not yet reached a joint timeline for an understanding," with the two sides still working to lock in the final text — after which a 30- to 60-day implementation window would commence under the terms of the memorandum.
On one of the most contested flashpoints in the negotiations, Baghaei was unequivocal. "The issue of the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with the United States."
"Regarding the strait, a mechanism must be defined between us and Oman, and we have held several rounds of talks with the Omani side on this matter," he said, signaling that Tehran intends to handle the waterway's future arrangements bilaterally with Muscat rather than as part of the broader US framework.
Baghaei was equally direct in ruling out any discussion of Iran's nuclear program at the present stage, saying Tehran is "not negotiating the nuclear issue at this stage," with the immediate priority remaining an end to the war.
Despite the forward momentum, significant obstacles remain. Indirect exchanges between the two sides are continuing, with some headway reported on certain issues — but "major disagreements" persist over the release of Iran's frozen assets and the Strait of Hormuz question, according to an Iranian semi-official news agency.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a measured but cautiously optimistic assessment, acknowledging that "some progress (was) made" in the peace negotiations with Iran.
The diplomatic push is being channeled through Islamabad, with both sides exchanging proposals and counterproposals on reopening the strategic waterway, addressing concerns over Tehran's nuclear activities, and resolving Iran's demand for sanctions relief.
US President Donald Trump added further context on Monday, revealing that Washington had deferred renewing military strikes against Iran following direct appeals from Gulf leaders, and confirming that substantive negotiations were actively underway.
"Our approach has been to draft a 14-point memorandum of understanding that includes the most important issues necessary for ending the war and matters that are fundamental for us," Baghaei said, as reported by an Iranian state-affiliated news agency.
"We are in the final stage of finalizing this memorandum of understanding," he added.
Baghaei outlined the core pillars of the proposed agreement as the cessation of hostilities, the lifting of the US naval blockade, and the repatriation of Iran's frozen foreign assets. He acknowledged, however, that Tehran and Washington "have not yet reached a joint timeline for an understanding," with the two sides still working to lock in the final text — after which a 30- to 60-day implementation window would commence under the terms of the memorandum.
On one of the most contested flashpoints in the negotiations, Baghaei was unequivocal. "The issue of the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with the United States."
"Regarding the strait, a mechanism must be defined between us and Oman, and we have held several rounds of talks with the Omani side on this matter," he said, signaling that Tehran intends to handle the waterway's future arrangements bilaterally with Muscat rather than as part of the broader US framework.
Baghaei was equally direct in ruling out any discussion of Iran's nuclear program at the present stage, saying Tehran is "not negotiating the nuclear issue at this stage," with the immediate priority remaining an end to the war.
Despite the forward momentum, significant obstacles remain. Indirect exchanges between the two sides are continuing, with some headway reported on certain issues — but "major disagreements" persist over the release of Iran's frozen assets and the Strait of Hormuz question, according to an Iranian semi-official news agency.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a measured but cautiously optimistic assessment, acknowledging that "some progress (was) made" in the peace negotiations with Iran.
The diplomatic push is being channeled through Islamabad, with both sides exchanging proposals and counterproposals on reopening the strategic waterway, addressing concerns over Tehran's nuclear activities, and resolving Iran's demand for sanctions relief.
US President Donald Trump added further context on Monday, revealing that Washington had deferred renewing military strikes against Iran following direct appeals from Gulf leaders, and confirming that substantive negotiations were actively underway.
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