Key facts
- Iran states no final decision has been made on a potential US agreement.
- Iran will not compromise on its "red lines" in negotiations.
- Reports about the timing and location of a signing were called speculative.
- US officials indicated a framework for a deal had been agreed, pending approval.
- The White House described a purported draft memorandum as a "complete fabrication."
- Iran's state media reported Tehran would not give up control over the Strait of Hormuz under a draft agreement.
Iran has stated that no final decision has been made regarding a potential agreement with the United States, emphasizing that it will not compromise on its "red lines" during negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed reports about the timing and location of a signing as speculative, according to Iran's IRNA news agency.
Earlier reports from US officials suggested that a framework for a deal, known as a memorandum of understanding, had been agreed upon, pending approval from President Donald Trump and Iranian leadership. This framework reportedly includes extending a ceasefire for 60 days and initiating discussions on Iran's nuclear program. The agreement could also permit unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iran to resume oil sales through sanction waivers. However, the White House has labeled a purported draft memorandum as a "complete fabrication."
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that negotiators were still working on specific language points, particularly concerning enrichment, but expressed optimism about reaching an agreement. He noted that the US believes Iran is negotiating in "good faith." Despite these statements, conflicting reports from both countries highlight the fluid nature of the negotiations, with both sides warning that a return to combat operations remains a possibility.
Iran's foreign ministry has accused the United States of continuing to violate the ceasefire, citing US strikes on a southern port. The ministry stated that a lack of trust, consistent changes in the US position, and Israeli actions in Lebanon are delaying diplomatic efforts to extend the ceasefire, asserting that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an essential condition for any deal to end the war. Meanwhile, the Israeli army announced the death of a soldier in southern Lebanon, bringing the total number of Israeli military deaths to 26 since early March. Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun condemned the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah.
The Iranian government has rejected pressure regarding the finalization of the US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), citing Iranian state-aligned Tasnim and Mehr news agencies. Governing institutions must conduct a final review of the draft agreement prior to its confirmation. According to Tasnim news, the draft memorandum requires the US to lift secondary sanctions, withdraw forces surrounding Iran, end its naval blockade, and support with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The final stage of talks are expected to center around Iran's nuclear and economic issues. Iranian state media also said that current MoU would not include any negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, with these talks to be held after the 60-day mark following the implementation of the MoU.