The United States and Iran are reportedly moving closer to a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the ongoing regional conflict and reviving diplomatic engagement over Tehran’s nuclear programme, according to a report by Axios.
As per the report, the White House believes negotiations are nearing a breakthrough on a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could pave the way for broader nuclear talks and de-escalation in the region. Sources familiar with the matter said Iranian responses on several key issues are expected within the next 48 hours.
The proposed agreement would reportedly include Iran agreeing to a temporary moratorium on uranium enrichment, while the United States would gradually ease sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. The deal could also lead to both sides lifting restrictions linked to transit through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, the current draft includes a 14-point framework designed to formally end hostilities and launch a 30-day negotiation period for a more comprehensive agreement. Discussions on the final deal could reportedly take place in Islamabad or Geneva.
One of the key sticking points remains the duration of Iran’s enrichment freeze. Reports suggest the U.S. has pushed for a 20-year moratorium, while Iran proposed five years. Sources indicated the final agreement could settle around 12 to 15 years. Iran would reportedly be allowed to resume low-level enrichment of up to 3.67% after the moratorium period ends.
The draft agreement is also said to include enhanced international inspections, including snap inspections by United Nations nuclear inspectors. Additionally, Iran would reportedly commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons or weaponisation-related activities.
Another major development under discussion is the possible removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile from the country, a long-standing demand from Washington that Tehran had previously rejected. One source cited in the report claimed that transferring the material to the United States is among the options being discussed.
The report added that President Donald Trump recently pulled back from expanding operations in the Strait of Hormuz partly due to progress in the negotiations and concerns over destabilising the fragile ceasefire.
However, uncertainty still surrounds the talks, with U.S. officials reportedly acknowledging divisions within Iran’s leadership that could complicate consensus on any agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a diplomatic solution remains possible, though he stressed that negotiations remain highly technical and complex.