A senior official in President Donald Trump's administration has revealed new details concerning the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. The proposed understandings include key terms related to Iran's nuclear program, the security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and several other regional issues.
The official told CNN that the proposed agreement is based on the principle of 'performance for benefits,' indicating that any U.S. moves, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, would be contingent on Tehran fulfilling its agreed commitments.
According to the American official, the main terms of understanding involve the destruction and removal of sensitive nuclear materials, dismantling Iran's nuclear program, and not releasing any Iranian funds before verifying the commitments. It also includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz for international navigation and Iran's commitment to halt funding groups the U.S. classifies as terrorist organizations.
These statements come amid ongoing differences over the nature and conditions of the final agreement, with Iranian officials having previously refused to sign any understanding before addressing the issue of frozen assets and repeatedly denying U.S. allegations of funding armed groups in the region.
Related reports suggest the interim agreement involves extending the current ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and setting the stage for continued talks on the future of Iran's nuclear program at a later stage.
Iranian media have indicated the existence of a draft understanding that includes elements related to lifting sanctions and the gradual release of frozen Iranian assets. However, Iranian official sources have stated that certain contentious issues, particularly arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz, remain under discussion and have not been conclusively resolved.
This development coincides with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing a mutually agreed draft between both parties, confirming ongoing diplomatic efforts to finalize the remaining arrangements in preparation for the official announcement of the agreement.
Current indications suggest that negotiations have reached an advanced stage, but the disparity in statements from both sides reflects a continued need to finalize the outstanding agreements before moving to the actual implementation phase of any potential deal.