Failed to Breach Strait of Hormuz, US Reportedly Ready to Agree to Ceasefire
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, WASHINGTON – Iran and the United States are reportedly close to a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. This news comes after the US failed to carry out Operation Project Freedom to breach the Strait of Hormuz.
The report was cited by the news website Axios, quoting US officials and two sources familiar with the matter. They reported on Wednesday that the White House is confident that it is close to reaching an agreement with Iran regarding a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed negotiations on the nuclear programme.
The website reported that the United States expects Iran’s response to several key points within 48 hours. The report noted that the two sides have not yet agreed on anything definitively, but stated that this is the closest agreement the two parties have reached since the beginning of the war.
The Axios website stated that the agreement, which includes other provisions, will encompass Iran’s commitment to a temporary suspension of uranium enrichment, the United States’ agreement to lift its sanctions and release billions of dollars in Iranian funds, and both sides lifting travel restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz.
The report added that the one-page memorandum of understanding containing 14 points is being negotiated between US envoys Steve Wittkopf and Jared Kushner and several Iranian officials, both directly and through intermediaries.
It indicated that the memorandum, in its current form, would declare an end to the war in the region and the start of a 30-day period of negotiations regarding a detailed agreement to open the strait, limit Iran’s nuclear programme, and lift US sanctions.
Axios, quoting a US official, stated that Iran’s restrictions on navigation through the strait and the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would be lifted gradually over a 30-day period.
The official indicated that US forces would be able to reimpose the blockade or resume military operations if the negotiations fail. On the other hand, the Reuters news agency, quoting a Pakistani source familiar with the negotiations, confirmed that Washington and Tehran are close to reaching a memorandum of understanding.