The United States and Iran are reportedly advancing a 14-point draft understanding that outlines a broad framework for ending hostilities, easing sanctions, and opening a pathway toward a final nuclear agreement, according to Iranian outlet Mehr News, which cited a source close to the Iranian negotiating team. Earlier, Axios had also reported that Washington and Tehran were discussing an interim arrangement aimed at stabilizing the conflict and restarting structured negotiations, with the newly surfaced draft providing a more detailed roadmap.
Key Points of the 14-Point Framework
According to an Iran International report citing Iranian media, the 14-point framework includes:
- An immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities across all theatres, including Lebanon.
- A US commitment to respect Iran's sovereignty and refrain from interference in its internal political affairs.
- The removal of naval restrictions and blockade measures within 30 days.
- A phased withdrawal of US military presence from areas in proximity to Iran.
- The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, under an arrangement defined by Iran.
- Suspension of sanctions targeting Iran's oil, petrochemical, and related export sectors.
- Full restoration of Iran's access to revenues generated from its energy exports.
- A commitment by the US and allied partners to outline reconstruction support for Iran, estimated at no less than $300 billion.
- A 60-day negotiation period to finalize a comprehensive settlement covering nuclear issues and sanctions architecture, including relevant UN and IAEA-linked measures.
- Iran's reaffirmation of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), including its stated position of not pursuing nuclear weapons.
- A freeze on new US troop deployments to the region during the negotiating period.
- A prohibition on the introduction of new sanctions while talks remain underway.
- The release of $24 billion in previously frozen Iranian assets during the negotiation window, with a portion disbursed prior to the start of talks.
- The final agreement to be submitted for endorsement through a United Nations Security Council resolution, with the nuclear track limited to enrichment, sanctions relief, and economic reconstruction, while excluding discussions on Iran's missile programme and support for regional armed groups.
Official Response and Next Steps
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the draft remains under review and has not yet been formally approved by the relevant Tehran authorities. The development signals a potential shift in US-Iran relations, though significant hurdles remain before any final agreement is reached.
