Iran is believed to have agreed with the United States in a draft memorandum of understanding under which Tehran would commit itself not to pursue nuclear weapons while demanding a complete lifting of US sanctions in return. As per reports, Iran has also agreed to stop uranium enrichment beyond 3.6 percent for the next 10 years as negotiations continue between the two countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that “progress” had been made during the negotiations and hinted that a fresh update regarding Iran and the US could come soon. Rubio stressed that Iran “can never have nuclear weapons” and must hand over its enriched uranium, but added that Washington still prefers diplomacy over military escalation.
Ceasefire extension and Hormuz reopening become key focus areas
According to further reports, the US and Iran are now very close to extending the current ceasefire arrangement for another 60 days. The Financial Times reported that international negotiators are nearing an agreement on a formal process for future talks regarding Iran’s nuclear programme alongside the ceasefire extension.
The proposed agreement is expected to include the phased reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz along with negotiations over reducing and transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. In return, Washington is expected to begin easing the economic blockade affecting Iranian ports and trade activity.
Pakistan mediation and Tehran diplomacy show “encouraging” signs
Diplomats from Iran, the United States and mediating state Pakistan on Saturday expressed optimism over progress achieved during discussions aimed at resolving the nearly three-month-long conflict. According to reports, intense diplomacy talks held in Tehran between Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and negotiators resulted in some very “encouraging” progress toward a final memorandum of understanding.
In an interview from New Delhi, Rubio acknowledged progress in the diplomatic process but also noted that several difficult issues still remain unresolved. Iran continues to demand an end to the naval blockade and wants the Lebanon conflict included as part of the ceasefire discussions, while Washington is insisting that Tehran permanently surrender enriched uranium and guarantee free access through the Strait of Hormuz.
(Via agency inputs)
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Khalid Qasid is a media enthusiast with a strong interest in documentary filmmaking. He holds a Master’s degree in Convergent Journalism from AJK MCRC. He has also written extensively on esports at Sportsdunia. Currently, he covers world and general news at NewsX Digital.
