US, Iran near 14-point memorandum, open 30-day negotiation window to end war: Reporting

In a major development, reports suggest that talks are progressing between Washington and Tehran on a preliminary agreement to end current hostilities and set the stage for wide-ranging nuclear negotiations. The talks between the two are the most important progress since the war began, Axios reports, citing several American officials and sources familiar with the conversation, but a final deal has not yet been reached. The proposed framework features a “one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding” designed to trigger an immediate ceasefire and open a “30-day negotiation window” to hammer out a broader settlement.

Under the terms, Iran would reportedly agree to a short-term freeze of nuclear enrichment. In return the United States promised to begin lifting sanctions and unfreezing billions of dollars of Iranian assets.

Both countries will also try to de-escalate tensions and ease transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. But the report also says that many of the clauses “are subject to the result of further negotiations,” suggesting that the road ahead still carries the threat of “renewed conflict or a long period of uncertainty.

This diplomatic progress was the reason behind President Donald Trump’s decision to dial back military activity in the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials told Axios. The diplomacy is being led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are said to be talking with Tehran both through direct channels and third-party intermediaries. If formalized, the memorandum would “ declare an end to the war,” and the technical discussions would take place in either Islamabad or Geneva.

The time frame for Iran's "moratorium on uranium enrichment" is still a major point of disagreement. Washington is said to be pushing for a time frame of "up to 20 years," while Tehran has suggested "five years." Sources say that a possible compromise could be between 12 and 15 years.

The US is also looking for a way to "extend the moratorium if Iran breaks the rules."After this time, the plan would let Iran "resume limited enrichment to 3.67 percent."Tehran would also have to promise not to try to get nuclear weapons.According to a US official quoted in the report, the deal could include a "clause preventing Iran from operating underground nuclear facilities" and require "enhanced inspections, including snap checks by UN inspectors."

Another sensitive proposal being looked at is the possible removal of Iran's "stockpile of highly enriched uranium." One option is to "transfer the material to the United States."The White House is still cautious, though, because they think the Iranian leadership is "divided," which could make it harder to reach a final agreement.