LONDON/DUBAI, May 25 - Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday that conclusions have been reached on many topics discussed in a potential 14-point memorandum of understanding, but this does not mean a deal to end the Middle East war is imminent.
The framework is focused on an end to the war and a U.S. naval blockade in exchange for Tehran taking steps to ensure safe transit in the Strait of Hormuz, said the spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei.
At what stage are the discussions?
The two sides have remained at odds on difficult issues including Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Israel’s war in Lebanon with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia and Tehran’s demands for the lifting of sanctions and the release of frozen assets. Both sides say they have made progress on a memorandum of understanding that would halt the war and give negotiators 60 days to reach a final deal.
Senior Iranian diplomat Hossein Nooshabadi told ISNA news agency on Monday that the possible framework deal included the end of the war on all fronts including Lebanon, the release of blocked Iranian assets, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, opening of the Strait of Hormuz, withdrawal of U.S. forces from the vicinity of Iran and freedom to sell Iranian oil.
How could a deal move forward?
If Iran’s Supreme National Security Council approves the memorandum, it will then be sent to the country’s supreme leader for final approval. The U.S. understood Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had endorsed the broad template of the deal, the senior U.S. official said. If the first phase of the agreement progressed, the nuclear issue could be reviewed and negotiated during the 60-day period.
