Reported Iran-U.S. draft would freeze nuclear work, lift oil sanctions, and reopen Hormuz

As a memorandum of understanding neared signing on Sunday afternoon, senior Iranian officials disclosed the main terms of a possible deal with the United States. According to the report, Tehran would pledge not to produce or obtain nuclear weapons, while being allowed, with American approval, to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium in Iran. A senior Iranian official quoted by Reuters said the nuclear issue would be discussed further over the next two months.

Under the draft, the United States would lift oil sanctions on Iran for a defined period, and the Islamic Republic would fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for ending the American naval blockade. Washington would also agree to release $25 billion in frozen Iranian funds. The Iranian official said, “Until a final agreement is reached, Iran agrees to maintain the nuclear status quo, not to enrich uranium or expand nuclear facilities,” adding, “Under the draft, the U.S. agrees not to impose additional sanctions on Iran until a final agreement.”

Mehdi Mohammadi, an adviser to the head of Iran’s negotiating team, Mohammad Kalibaf, separately described additional elements of the memorandum. He said it would include a complete halt to military activity in Iran and Lebanon, prevent any newly planned military operations, and include an American guarantee against renewed tensions. Mohammadi echoed most of the Reuters-quoted official’s claims and added that there would also be a compensation mechanism to help rebuild Iran for damage suffered in the war.

At the same time, a Qatari delegation arrived in Tehran earlier in the day. One of Qatar’s negotiators was Ali al-Thawadi, a senior Qatari official involved in contacts with Israel to end the Gaza war and secure the release of the hostages, according to a source familiar with the details who spoke to Kan News. Al-Thawadi also attended the White House apology call by Benjamin Netanyahu to Qatar’s prime minister.