Sanctions lifted, Iran rebuilt: Tehran lays out its vision for US deal
The document will include three main sections (photo: Getty Images)
The United States and Iran are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding today, although there are already doubts that it will happen on June 14. Still, Tehran has outlined its version of the terms included in the framework document, according to Reuters.
A senior Iranian official said the final draft of the memorandum covers a wide range of issues—from Tehran's nuclear program to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of oil sanctions.
The official also confirmed earlier media reports that negotiations on the final comprehensive agreement would continue for 60 days after the memorandum is signed.
According to the official, the draft framework agreement can be divided into several sections: the Strait of Hormuz, financial issues, and the nuclear program. Details are outlined below.
The section on Hormuz includes the following:
- Iran would immediately reopen the strait to all commercial shipping, while the United States would lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports
- Removal of the US blockade would begin immediately after the memorandum is signed and be completed within 30 days.
The financial section includes the following:
- United States would agree not to impose any new sanctions on Iran until a final agreement is reached
- After a final agreement is concluded, all US and UN sanctions on Iran would be lifted according to an agreed timetable
- United States would suspend oil sanctions on Iran for a certain period, allowing Tehran to continue oil exports and generate revenue
- United States would agree to unfreeze $25 billion in Iranian assets, including through direct transfers, regional cooperation mechanisms, and credit lines
- Washington, in coordination with its regional allies, would prepare a reconstruction and development plan for Iran, to be agreed with Tehran within 60 days.
There also appear to be potential developments regarding the nuclear issue. According to Iran's version:
- Tehran would agree not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons
- During the interim period before a final agreement, Iran would maintain the current status of its nuclear program, refraining from further uranium enrichment and expansion of nuclear facilities
- Under a future comprehensive agreement, the United States would allow Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium on Iranian territory
- Iran's nuclear program, uranium enrichment activities, and mechanisms for handling stockpiles of highly enriched uranium would be negotiated during the 60 days following the memorandum. The agreed terms would be included in the final document ending the war.
US-Iran memo faces uncertainty
On June 13, US President Donald Trump said Iran would completely abandon the development and acquisition of nuclear weapons under a new agreement with Washington.
He also announced that a framework agreement with Iran could be signed as early as June 14. Media reports said the agreement was expected to be signed remotely, largely for logistical reasons.
However, the Foreign Ministry of Iran denied that the agreement would be signed on June 14. Officials said Tehran would have to wait to see the exact signing date, while not ruling out the possibility that it could happen in the near future.
