Tehran, Iran. Iran and the United States said they are closer than ever to a preliminary agreement to end the war, with negotiations focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear programme and lifting the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. Iranian and US officials described the talks as being in their final stages, while presenting the prospective deal as serving their respective strategic interests.
Iran says agreement is in final stages
In a live television interview on Saturday night, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the agreement is now in its final stages. He said its core details have already been approved by Iran’s top political and institutional leadership, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the National Security Council.
Araghchi said the memorandum of understanding would lead to an end to the conflict across all fronts, including Lebanon. He also said that, for the first time in 47 years, Iran and the United States would state in writing that they mutually respect each other’s sovereignty and political system.
Regional and military provisions
Araghchi said Israel would have to withdraw from territories it still occupies in Lebanon and halt its attacks as part of the comprehensive agreement to end the war. He said Tehran had already conveyed this position to Washington and estimated that compliance with commitments from all sides could pave the way for a more permanent peace in the region.
According to the New York Times, the United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement providing for the cessation of armed conflict, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iran.
Nuclear issues remain unresolved
The same sources said Iran would reaffirm its commitment not to develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. However, the future of its nuclear programme is not resolved by the agreement and will be the subject of a new round of negotiations at a later date.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told state media that Tehran had reached a common understanding with the United States on “most issues” and was in the final stage of internal consultations regarding the text of the agreement. “As we speak, meetings are underway between the relevant Iranian bodies,” he said.
Washington and Tehran present deal as success
Both Washington and Tehran are attempting to present the agreement as a success that serves their own strategic goals.
While Araghchi spoke of a historic rapprochement, US Vice President JD Vance sought to address concerns expressed within Republican ranks regarding potential concessions offered by the agreement to Iran.
“The agreement has been structured in a way that ensures the concerns of the United States and its allies are prioritised and that, provided the Islamic Republic of Iran meets its obligations, economic benefits will flow both into Iran itself and across the wider region,” Vance wrote on social media.