Recent reports by American media suggest that the United States and Iran have reached an agreement regarding the framework of a memorandum of understanding. The two sides are about to reach a final agreement.
However, according to a report by the American media outlet Axios on May 31, two sources revealed that U.S. President Trump has come up with another clever idea regarding this framework.
Two informed American officials said that during a meeting of the White House Situation Room on local time dated September 29, Trump expressed his desire to reach an agreement as soon as possible. However, he also requested several modifications to the framework of the agreement. He was keen on strengthening several aspects that were important to him, including matters related to Irans nuclear materials, as well as wording regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicate that Trumps latest demands have triggered another round of negotiations between the two parties, which could last for several days.
After the meeting on the 29th, a White House official told reporters that Trump will only reach an agreement that benefits the United States, meets American red lines, and ensures that Iran will never be able to acquire nuclear weapons.
Video screenshot of Trump discussing Iran issues at the White House on the 27th.
According to two sources, Trump asked his team to modify the terms related to Irans nuclear program in the framework.
The current memorandum of understanding includes Irans commitment not to seek nuclear weapons. However, there are no specific concessions beyond that. The framework stipulates a 60-day window for negotiations regarding Irans nuclear commitments and the reduction of U.S. sanctions. The top priority on the agenda is how to address Irans uranium enrichment capabilities and limit further enrichment efforts.
A senior U.S. government official told Axios that Trump wants to modify this part of the text. The changes involve more detailed information on how the United States will obtain these materials and the timing involved.
Additionally, a second source said that Trump also wishes to modify some of the wording regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
This American official also stated that Trump was informed that it would take Iran approximately three days to provide a response. The official claimed, The Iranians are simply hiding in caves, and they dont use email at all.
Ultimately, an agreement will be reached. As for whether it can be reached quickly, we will have to wait and see, said the official. We are willing to wait, so that President Trump can get what he wants. It might take a week. Maybe even less time. Or perhaps longer.
The official added, By the end of this week, we hope that negotiations will make progress.
According to reports by American media, the United States and Iran have reached an agreement regarding a memorandum of understanding. Once signed, shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz will be fully resumed within 30 days. It is revealed that the framework includes an extension of the ceasefire by 60 days, allowing both parties to reach a final agreement regarding the permanent end to Irans military conflicts. During this period, the Strait of Hormuz will undergo demining efforts and will be reopened. The framework also pledges that Iran will not possess nuclear weapons.
Subsequently, Irans Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator, Kalibaf, along with Foreign Minister Alaaghiyeh, led a delegation to Doha, Qatar, to begin negotiations.
However, Iran stated that there are still differences between the two parties regarding one or two specific provisions. These include issues related to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues.
On May 25, Irans Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaee stated during a regular press conference that the focus of current negotiations is on how to end the war. Issues related to nuclear matters and the rights to manage the strait are not part of these negotiations.
The agreement cannot be reached in the short term, said Baggae to reporters. The US and Iran have reached understandings on many issues that are still under discussion. However, no one can say for sure that an agreement will be signed soon. He also criticized the inconsistency in US policies, stating that the specific timeline for reaching an agreement has not been determined yet.
It is worth mentioning that there has been another clash between the US and Iran recently. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard of Iran stated that at 4:50 AM local time on the 28th, the US forces launched an attack near the Abad Port Airport. In response, Iran targeted a US Air Force base.
On the 30th, U.S. Defense Secretary Hagel threatened during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the U.S. is committed to reaching an agreement with Iran through negotiations. However, if negotiations fail, the U.S. is prepared to resume military strikes.
