Media: Iran's MoU Draft Demands US Lift Naval Blockade to Open Strait of Hormuz

Tehran (ANTARA) - Iran has drafted an informal preliminary framework for a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United States, demanding the withdrawal of US military forces and lifting of the naval blockade, according to reports from several media outlets on Wednesday (27 May), citing Iranian state television IRIB TV. In return, Iran has committed to restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month and managing vessel traffic in the strait alongside Oman, the reports state. Military vessels are not covered under the agreement, they add. The reports also state that the US agreed to lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, recognise Iran’s management of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz in cooperation with Oman, accept transit routes designated by Tehran, and withdraw US forces from areas around Iran. Any final US-Iran agreement reached during the 60-day negotiation period would be formalised as a binding UN Security Council resolution, the reports said. Under the proposed deal, Iran will take no action without ‘verified reality’ checks, the reports added. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed on Saturday (23 May) that Iran and the US are working to finalise an MoU to end the war. ‘Our initial intention is to agree on an MoU consisting of 14 clauses,’ Baghaei said. He added that both sides aim to reach a final agreement ’ within 30 to 60 days’ covering issues such as halting US maritime attacks and unfrozen Iranian assets. Iran, the US, and Israel agreed to a ceasefire on 8 April following 40 days of combat. Following the ceasefire, Iranian and US delegations held a round of peace talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on 11 and 12 April but failed to reach an agreement. Over recent weeks, both sides have reportedly exchanged proposed plans outlining terms for ending the conflict through Pakistan-mediated mediation.