US, Iran Move Closer to One-Page MOU Deal to End War

(MENAFN) Washington and Tehran are on the verge of signing a one-page memorandum of understanding to end their war and establish a framework for deeper nuclear negotiations, media reported Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the talks.

Washington anticipates Iran will respond on critical outstanding issues within 48 hours, according to the report, which noted that while no agreement has been finalized, the two adversaries have never been this close to a deal since hostilities erupted.

Under the proposed terms, Iran would suspend nuclear enrichment in exchange for US sanctions relief, the unfreezing of Iranian funds, and reciprocal easing of transit restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz. The arrangement, however, carries significant risk — many provisions hinge on a final accord, leaving the door open to renewed conflict or a protracted, unresolved ceasefire.

Media also reported that President Donald Trump stepped back from a planned new operation in the Strait of Hormuz, opting to protect the fragile ceasefire in light of progress at the negotiating table.

The 14-point MOU is being hammered out by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in direct talks with Iranian officials and through intermediaries. The draft would formally end the war and trigger a 30-day negotiating window — potentially held in Islamabad or Geneva — covering the reopening of the strait, curbing Iran's nuclear program and lifting sanctions. Throughout this period, both Iran's shipping restrictions and the US naval blockade would be wound down incrementally.

Should negotiations collapse, Washington retains the option to reimpose its blockade or resume military operations, the report warned.

The enrichment moratorium remains one of the sharpest sticking points — estimates range between 12 and 15 years, with Iran proposing a five-year cap and the US holding out for two decades.

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