Unveiling the Terms of a Memorandum of Understanding Between Tehran and Washington: Comprehensive End to War and Lifting of Oil Sanctions

Iranian media sources have revealed the outlines of a proposed memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, aimed at ending military operations on all active fronts in the region. The draft includes provisions allowing Iran to resume exporting its oil and petrochemical products, in exchange for its commitment to de-escalate field tensions and ensure the security of international navigation.

The proposed memorandum indicates a specific timeline for implementing the first steps, with a 30-day period allocated to address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. This clause aims to restore navigation and ship traffic through the strait to their normal levels that prevailed before the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip and the expansion of the conflict.

The draft also included a 60-day period dedicated to in-depth discussions on the Iranian nuclear file, which remains a fundamental point of contention. Sources clarified that Tehran has not yet agreed to any restrictive measures concerning its nuclear program within this initial phase of understandings.

Under the proposal, the United States commits to fully lifting the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports within one month of signing the memorandum. This step is accompanied by the release of a portion of frozen Iranian funds abroad, providing the Iranian economy with a necessary financial breather in the first phase of the agreement.

Informed sources confirmed that the potential agreement seeks to end the war on all fronts, including the Lebanese front, which has witnessed significant escalation recently. The proposal also addresses the possibility of withdrawing US forces from some areas near the Iranian border as part of confidence-building measures between the two parties.

Regarding the nuclear file, a high-ranking Iranian source stressed that Tehran has not pledged to transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium out of the country. The source indicated that complex nuclear issues will be deferred to later stages of negotiations and will not be part of the preliminary agreement currently being worked on.

Reports indicate that Iran refuses to suspend its nuclear activities for a long period as a precondition, insisting that discussions of these details are linked to Washington fulfilling its economic commitments. There are still ongoing disagreements over two key clauses in the memorandum of understanding, requiring additional rounds of discussions through international mediators.

For its part, international sources reported that the United States and Iran are on the verge of signing an agreement to extend the ceasefire for an additional two months. During this period, the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be opened to global navigation without imposing any additional fees, with Tehran committing to remove the naval mines it has laid.

The American vision for the agreement includes the necessity for Washington to obtain Iranian guarantees not to seek to possess nuclear weapons under any circumstances. The US administration also demands a clear timeline for negotiating the suspension of the uranium enrichment program and the disposal of sensitive stockpiles accumulated by Tehran in recent years.

Reports spoke of Iran providing verbal commitments through mediators, expressing willingness to make certain concessions in the enrichment file in exchange for tangible economic incentives. Political circles are awaiting an official response from the White House regarding these details, amid official silence from the US administration regarding recent leaks.

The success of this memorandum largely depends on the ability of both parties to overcome mutual distrust and adhere to the proposed timelines. Observers believe that the lifting of oil sanctions represents the trump card Tehran seeks to obtain, while the security of navigation in Hormuz is an urgent demand of the international community.

The draft also includes provisions related to the suspension of sanctions on oil derivatives throughout the negotiation period, to ensure the continuity of the diplomatic process. This measure aims to prevent the collapse of understandings if nuclear talks falter in their early stages, providing economic cover for the Iranian side.

Despite cautious optimism, the issue of US military presence in the region remains a thorny point that could hinder the achievement of a final and comprehensive agreement. While Tehran demands a clear withdrawal, Washington believes its presence is necessary to ensure the implementation of the agreement's provisions and protect its allies in the region from any potential threats.

In conclusion, this proposed memorandum represents a serious attempt to de-escalate regional tensions that have reached unprecedented levels over the past year. The coming days will play a crucial role in determining whether these understandings will turn into a binding agreement that ends the ongoing conflict between Washington and Tehran.

The Iranian nuclear file is not part of the preliminary agreement with the United States and will be addressed in the final agreement negotiations.