Iran source denies MoU finalised with US

TEHRAN — Sources close to Iran’s negotiation team deny that a proposed memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States (US) has been finalised, according to semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim on Thursday (28 May), refuting previous claims in US media. The source told Tasnim that reports claiming the text was merely awaiting official announcements from both sides ‘do not align with facts’, adding that the document ‘has not been finalised’. Earlier on Thursday, US media Axios reported, citing US officials and regional sources, that US and Iranian negotiators had agreed on a MoU to extend a ceasefire for 60 days and begin talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, US President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval. The proposed 60-day MoU reportedly states that cargo shipments through the Strait of Hormuz ‘will not be restricted’. A US official was quoted saying this would involve no tolls or intimidation, and Iran would be required to clear all mines from the strait within 30 days. The MoU is said to include Iran’s commitment not to develop nuclear weapons. The document would also specify that initial issues for negotiation during the 60-day period would include how to dispose of Iran’s highly enriched uranium and address its enrichment activities. The White House would commit to discussing the lifting of sanctions and release of frozen Iranian assets as part of the talks, the report added. It would also consider establishing a mechanism to facilitate Iran’s access to humanitarian goods and aid. Refuting the Axios report, the Iranian source stressed that if a finalised agreement text is reached, Iran will officially inform Pakistan as mediators and publicly announce it. Until then, Western media reports claiming the deal is complete ‘lack credibility’, the source added. Speaking late Thursday local time, US Vice President JD Vance said negotiators were still ‘going back and forth on some language points’, including ‘enrichment issues’. ‘We are not there yet, but we are very close and will keep pushing,’ he told reporters, adding that the US believes Iran is negotiating in ‘good faith’. On Thursday night, US Central Command (CENTCOM) denied Iranian media reports that a US drone ‘violating territory’ had been destroyed by Iranian air defence. ‘No US aircraft was shot down. All US airborne assets are being monitored,’ CENTCOM said on social media platform X. Iranian news agency Tasnim, citing military sources, reported that Iran’s air defence was activated late Thursday local time and successfully intercepted the drone near Bushehr using missiles. Since the initial ceasefire between the US and Iran took effect on 8 April, Trump has repeatedly stated that both sides are closer to a deal and that negotiations are making progress. On Wednesday (27 May), Trump said Washington was not satisfied with the terms under discussion and remained ready to continue military action if demands were not met. ‘We are not satisfied with the outcome of these negotiations, but we will be satisfied later,’ Trump said. ‘If not, we will have to complete the job.’