Iranian media reveals details of 7-point draft memorandum with US

Iran’s official news agency IRNA on Friday published the current outlines of a draft memorandum of understanding with the US, offering a more detailed picture of Tehran’s position and highlighting both similarities and differences with details of the proposed deal previously reported by Axios.

The IRNA report outlined seven key areas covered by the draft memorandum. One area of overlap between the two accounts concerns the existence of a 60-day negotiating period following the signature of the memorandum.

Axios reported that the agreement would include a 60-day “extension” of the ceasefire while nuclear talks continue. The IRNA account also refers to 60 days of negotiations following the signature of the memorandum but says those talks would focus on only three issues: Iran’s peaceful nuclear program, lifting US sanctions, and compensation for war-related damages.

The two reports differ, however, on the nature of the ceasefire arrangement.

According to IRNA, the US will undertake to compel Israel to end the war in Lebanon if the memorandum is signed.

The nuclear issue also represents a major point of divergence.

Axios reported that the agreement would establish a framework for addressing Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, with further nuclear steps contingent on a follow-up deal.

The IRNA report says Iran would assume no new nuclear obligations under the memorandum and that its peaceful nuclear program would remain unchanged. It adds that any nuclear negotiations would begin only after the memorandum is signed and would focus on issues including Iran’s right to enrich uranium and retain enriched materials as part of a final agreement.

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On the Strait of Hormuz, both reports foresee a return to normal maritime activity, but through different mechanisms.

Axios reported an “immediate reopening” of the waterway without tolls and restoration of normal shipping volumes. The IRNA account says Iran would not relinquish any authority over the strait and would not grant the US any role in its future management. Instead, maritime security and navigation would be handled by regional coastal states, with future arrangements discussed directly between Iran and Oman.

The semi-official Mehr news agency also published a report, saying that the draft stipulates reopening the strait within 30 days and “in coordination with Iran.”

The treatment of frozen Iranian assets is another area where the two reports overlap but differ in detail.

Axios reported that Iran could gain access “to some frozen funds” through a humanitarian mechanism discussed with Qatar.