Islamabad/Washington, May 6 (SANA) The United States and Iran are close to reaching a framework agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing a Pakistani source familiar with the talks.
The source confirmed an earlier Axios report that cited U.S. officials and sources familiar with the negotiations regarding a proposed one-page memorandum of understanding. “We are very close to finalizing it,” the Pakistani source said. Pakistan hosted direct talks between the two sides last month and has continued mediating by relaying proposals between Washington and Tehran.
Framework talks gain momentum
According to Axios, the proposed framework includes a temporary suspension of Iranian uranium enrichment, partial easing of U.S. sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets worth billions of dollars. The agreement would also reportedly include steps to ease restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The report said Washington expects an Iranian response on several outstanding issues within the next 48 hours. The proposed memorandum would launch a 30-day negotiating period focused on reopening the strait, limiting Iran’s nuclear activities and addressing sanctions relief.
The White House and the U.S. State Department did not immediately comment on the reports, while Iranian officials said Tehran was reviewing the U.S. proposal.
Trump suspends Hormuz naval operation
The developments came hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of “Project Freedom,” a naval operation launched to assist ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the suspension was intended to give diplomacy a chance while maintaining pressure measures already in place.
“We mutually agreed that while the blockade will remain fully in effect, Project Freedom will be suspended for a short period of time to determine whether the agreement can be finalized and signed,” Trump wrote on social media.
Oil prices fell sharply following reports of possible progress in the negotiations, while global markets rose on hopes of easing tensions that have disrupted energy supplies and maritime traffic in the Gulf region.
Axios reported that the proposed memorandum is being negotiated directly and through mediators between U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and Iranian officials. A U.S. official cited by the outlet said restrictions imposed by both sides on shipping activity could be gradually eased during the negotiation period, while military measures could resume if talks collapse.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Wednesday that Tehran would only accept what he described as a “fair and comprehensive agreement” in negotiations with Washington. During a visit to China, Araghchi also stressed the importance of regional diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
R.A/ABD
