US and Iran Close to Agreement to End War

Istanbul (ANTARA) - The United States and Iran are close to signing a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. As reported by Axios, citing sources on Wednesday (6/5), the US hopes Iran will respond within 48 hours to the main issues. There is no final agreement yet, according to the report, but the situation is the closest the two have come to an agreement since the war began in late February. In the draft agreement, Iran is asked to suspend nuclear enrichment, the United States must lift sanctions and release frozen funds, and both must ease transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. The report also mentions that US President Donald Trump has delayed new operations in the Strait of Hormuz to maintain the ceasefire due to progress in the talks. The draft memorandum of understanding, containing 14 points, is being negotiated by two of Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, along with several Iranian officials. The negotiations are being conducted both directly and through mediators. Further talks may take place in Islamabad or Geneva. During that period, restrictions on Iranian shipping and the US sea blockade will be gradually eased. Axios also reported that the United States could reinstate the blockade or continue military action if the negotiations fail to produce results. The duration of Iran’s nuclear enrichment moratorium remains a point of contention. Iran proposes five years, while the United States wants up to 20 years, with an estimated compromise ranging from 12 to 15 years.