Washington, DC, May 6 (ANI) — Diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran are reportedly moving toward a preliminary, one-page, 14-point memorandum of understanding designed to halt active hostilities and create a framework for broader nuclear negotiations, Axios reports, citing U.S. officials and sources close to the discussions. Officials describe the development as the most significant progress since the conflict began, though no final agreement has been signed.
The memorandum would trigger an immediate ceasefire and open a 30-day negotiation window to work toward a more comprehensive settlement. Under the outline described to Axios, Iran would agree to a short-term pause in uranium enrichment while the United States would begin lifting certain sanctions and unfreezing billions in Iranian assets. Both sides would also pursue measures to reduce tensions and ease transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Many provisions are conditional on the outcome of subsequent talks, leaving the arrangement vulnerable to renewed conflict or an extended period of uncertainty if negotiations stall. U.S. officials said President Donald Trump’s recent decision to de-escalate military activity in the Strait of Hormuz was influenced by these diplomatic advances.
Diplomatic engagement is being led by U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who are communicating with Tehran directly and through third-party intermediaries. If formalized, the memorandum would effectively declare an end to active hostilities and shift technical negotiations to a neutral venue such as Islamabad or Geneva.
A major sticking point is the proposed length of Iran’s moratorium on uranium enrichment. Washington has pushed for a moratorium of up to 20 years, while Iran has proposed five years. Sources indicate negotiators are exploring a compromise in the 12- to 15-year range, along with a mechanism to extend the moratorium if Iran is found to have violated the terms. After the pause, the proposal would allow Iran to resume limited enrichment up to 3.67 percent and include a formal pledge not to pursue nuclear weapons.
Other measures under discussion include a clause preventing Iran from operating underground nuclear facilities and enhanced inspection protocols, including snap inspections by UN inspectors. One sensitive option mentioned is removing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, potentially transferring it to the United States for safekeeping.
Despite the momentum, White House officials remain cautious, pointing to divisions within Iran’s leadership that could complicate final approval. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that technical and political obstacles remain, saying negotiators do not need to finalize every detail in one day but must clarify negotiable items and initial concessions to make a deal viable. He also expressed skepticism about some Iranian figures, calling them “insane in the brain.”
The coming 48 hours are viewed as critical as Washington awaits Tehran’s responses on several key points. While officials characterize the outline as a fragile but meaningful step toward de-escalation, Axios cautions that the risk of a breakdown in talks remains high. (ANI)
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