Axios: US and Iran Near Agreement... Negotiating Memorandum to End War

Closest to an Agreement Since Outbreak of War

Iran to Suspend Uranium Enrichment for a Set Period

U.S. to Partially Lift Sanctions on Iran

The Trump Administration is reportedly close to signing a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran to end the war and establish a framework for nuclear negotiations, Axios reported on May 6 (local time). This represents the most advanced form of agreement reached by both sides since the outbreak of the Iran war.

According to Axios, the White House is currently discussing a 14-clause MOU with Iran aimed at ending the war and establishing a framework for subsequent nuclear negotiations.

The draft agreement under discussion reportedly includes Iran suspending uranium enrichment activities for a specified period, while the United States would partially lift sanctions against Iran. In addition, the United States is considering releasing several billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets, and both sides are weighing a phased easing of navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, it is known that many of the clauses are conditional, based on the eventual conclusion of a final nuclear agreement. As a result, if negotiations break down, there is a possibility that military conflict could resume, or that a state of heightened tension could persist without a full-scale war.

Axios, citing U.S. officials, reported that progress in the negotiations has also influenced President Trump’s recent decision to step back from plans to expand military operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

The MOU is reportedly being negotiated by Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are engaging with Iranian officials either directly or through third-party mediators. Possible venues for follow-up talks include Islamabad, Pakistan, and Geneva, Switzerland.

According to the draft, both sides would first conduct negotiations for 30 days, during which they would discuss opening the Strait of Hormuz, restricting Iran’s nuclear program, and easing U.S. sanctions. During this period, controls on Iranian vessels and the U.S. maritime blockade would be gradually eased. Conversely, if negotiations fail, the United States could restore the blockade or resume military action, according to reports.

The main point of contention is the duration of Iran’s suspension of uranium enrichment. Sources say the United States is demanding up to a 20-year suspension, while Iran has proposed five years. Axios reports that a compromise of between 12 and 15 years is currently under discussion.

It has also been reported that the United States is demanding an automatic extension of the suspension period if Iran violates enrichment restrictions. After the grace period, Iran would be allowed to resume production of low-enriched uranium at the 3.67% level.

Meanwhile, Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Iranian media that Iran is reviewing the U.S. proposal to end the war that has continued for more than two months, and will convey its position to Pakistan, the mediating country.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.