Iran denies initial US deal is final

Istanbul (ANTARA) - A draft memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States (US) has not been finalised, contrary to reports from several Western media, according to a source close to Iran’s negotiation team on Thursday (28 May).

Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim reported the source stating that claims the memorandum had been completed and was awaiting official announcement from both parties ‘do not reflect reality’, adding that ‘the text has not yet been finalised’.

The source added that Iran has not informed Pakistan, the mediator, that the agreement text has been finalised.

It said if the agreement is indeed finalised, Iran will inform Pakistan and the public.

‘Until then, any narrative from Western sources claiming the matter is final is not credible,’ the source told Tasnim.

US news site Axios, citing US officials, reported that US and Iranian negotiators have reached an initial agreement on a 60-day ceasefire extension and a framework for nuclear talks.

The report stated that President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval for the memorandum of understanding, despite negotiators from both sides having largely finalised the terms.