US on verge of reaching agreement with Iran – report

The White House reportedly believes it is close to securing a one-page agreement with Iran, outlining the framework for a comprehensive nuclear deal.

By World Israel News Staff

The Trump administration believes it is on the verge of reaching an agreement with the Iranian regime on a framework for talks on a potential nuclear deal, Axios reported Wednesday.

According to the report, which cited multiple US officials and other sources familiar with the talks, the White House is increasingly optimistic that it is close to a major breakthrough.

Specifically, the US believes it will likely be able to finalize a one-page memorandum with Iran in which the two sides agree on a framework for a comprehensive nuclear deal.

The memorandum would constitute a temporary political understanding, the report said, meant to prevent renewed fighting while negotiators work toward a broader settlement over Iran’s nuclear activities and regional tensions.

According to Axios, US officials believe the next two days could prove decisive, with Washington waiting for Iran to respond to several unresolved issues still under negotiation.

One major element under discussion is a long-term halt to Iranian uranium enrichment.

The two sides remain divided over how long such a freeze should last.

Iran has reportedly proposed a five-year moratorium, while the United States has pushed for 20 years.

Officials familiar with the talks told Axios that negotiators are now converging on a possible compromise lasting roughly 12 to 15 years.

Iran would reportedly be permitted to resume low-level enrichment after the moratorium expires, provided it remains within internationally accepted civilian limits.

The draft arrangement would also reportedly require Iran to pledge that it will not pursue nuclear weapons or engage in weaponization activities. American negotiators are additionally seeking restrictions on underground nuclear facilities and expanded international inspections, including snap inspections by UN monitors.

One of the most sensitive issues in the talks involves Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Two sources said negotiators are discussing removing the material from Iran entirely, a step Tehran had long resisted. One proposal under consideration would transfer the uranium to the United States.

In exchange, Washington would begin gradually lifting sanctions and releasing Iranian funds frozen abroad. Restrictions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz would also be eased under the proposed framework.

The draft framework reportedly envisions a 30-day negotiating period during which both sides would refrain from major escalation while diplomats attempt to finalize a more comprehensive agreement. Talks during that period could take place in Geneva or Islamabad.

During the interim phase, Iran would gradually reduce restrictions on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States would incrementally scale back its naval blockade operations in the region.

The report said the Trump administration’s recent decision to pause further escalation in the Strait of Hormuz was influenced by progress in the diplomatic talks and a desire to preserve the fragile ceasefire.

Still, US officials cautioned that the negotiations remain uncertain.

White House officials believe divisions within the Iranian leadership could complicate efforts to secure approval for any deal.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the administration was focused on establishing a workable diplomatic framework before attempting to finalize every technical detail.

“We don’t have to have the actual agreement written in one day,” Rubio said. “This is highly complex and technical.”

“But we have to have a diplomatic solution that is very clear on the topics they are willing to negotiate on and the extent of the concessions they are willing to make at the front end in order to make it worthwhile,” he added.