The reported document surfaced after US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a framework agreement had been reached to end the conflict and pave the way for broader negotiations. Trump said the agreement would help restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Also read: US and Iran reach deal to end war, Trump says Strait of Hormuz to open on Friday
The contents published by Mehr News, however, have not been independently verified by ET, and neither the United States nor Iran has publicly released or confirmed the reported draft. The details appear to correspond to a version first published by the agency on Friday, however, all the points as cited by AFP and Mehr, are yet to be released by Iranian media.
What the reported framework proposes
According to Mehr News, the draft begins with an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, and includes a US commitment to respect Iran’s sovereignty and refrain from interference in its internal affairs.
The report says Washington would lift its naval blockade within 30 days, withdraw forces positioned around Iran and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz during the same period.
The framework also reportedly envisages a 60-day negotiating window during which the two sides would seek a broader agreement covering Iran’s nuclear programme and the removal of US, UN and International Atomic Energy Agency-related restrictions.
$24 billion in assets and oil sanctions relief
The most consequential economic provision concerns frozen Iranian funds.Mehr reported that Iran would gain access to $24 billion in frozen assets during the 60-day negotiation period, with half of that amount released before talks formally begin.
The draft also reportedly calls for the suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil, petrochemical products and related exports, potentially restoring a major source of revenue for Tehran.
In addition, the document is said to include a commitment by the United States and its allies to prepare economic reconstruction plans worth at least $300 billion for Iran.
The prospect of increased Iranian oil exports and the reopening of Hormuz was reflected in energy markets, with crude prices falling after news of the framework emerged.
Also read: Trump warns US could resume attacks on Iran if nuclear accord not reached
Nuclear talks, but not missiles
One of the draft’s most notable features is its reported attempt to narrow the scope of future negotiations.
According to Mehr, talks would focus on enriched uranium, nuclear activities, sanctions relief and economic reconstruction. Iran’s missile programme and its support for regional allied groups would be excluded from the agenda.
The report also says Iran would reaffirm its commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty not to pursue nuclear weapons, while the United States would refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional forces during the negotiation period.
Key questions remain unresolved
Despite the reported breakthrough, significant uncertainty remains over the final shape of any agreement.
US and Iranian officials have offered differing accounts of how Iran’s nuclear programme would ultimately be addressed.
While US officials have indicated that negotiations could lead to the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Iranian officials have suggested Tehran would retain the ability to manage its enriched uranium stockpile domestically.
For now, the terms published by Mehr News remain unconfirmed. With no official text released by either government, the reported framework should be viewed as a preliminary account of what may form the basis of negotiations rather than a definitive agreement.
