A draft U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of conflict would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease restrictions on Iran’s economy and launch negotiations on a broader settlement, according to details of a 14-point memorandum obtained by Reuters.
The framework calls for an immediate ceasefire and a 60-day negotiating process in Switzerland intended to produce a comprehensive agreement. It also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, measures with potentially significant implications for global energy markets.
The proposed arrangement includes U.S. waivers allowing Iranian oil exports to resume and provisions aimed at restoring Iran’s access to international commerce. Reuters reported that the framework also contains a proposed $300 billion private-sector investment and reconstruction mechanism designed to support Iran’s economy and encourage both sides to pursue a final settlement.
Under the draft, Iran would reaffirm that it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons and would maintain the current status of its nuclear program while negotiations continue. More contentious issues, including the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles and the scope of sanctions relief, would be addressed during subsequent talks.
President Donald Trump has presented the framework as a means of preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, while warning that military action could resume if negotiations fail. U.S. officials have stressed that the memorandum remains a preliminary understanding and that either side could still withdraw before a final agreement is reached.
The proposed deal would represent the most significant breakthrough in U.S.-Iran relations in years. Freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear activities, sanctions relief and regional stability have remained at the center of diplomatic efforts to prevent a broader Middle East conflict.
