US, Iran Near MoU to End Conflict, Start Talks

The United States and Iran are advancing toward a preliminary one-page memorandum of understanding to formally end their ongoing conflict and initiate a 30-day period of intensive negotiations, with talks potentially resuming in Islamabad, Pakistan, as early as next week.

According to officials familiar with the discussions, the agreement would declare a cessation of hostilities, restore stable shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and address initial steps on Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions. The United States would temporarily ease its naval blockade of Iranian ports, including pausing Project Freedom operations, while Iran would agree to a moratorium on uranium enrichment, with the duration under negotiation between 12 and 15 years. Tehran has indicated willingness to discuss transferring a portion of its highly enriched uranium stocks abroad, excluding the United States as a destination. In exchange, the U.S. would gradually lift certain sanctions and release billions in frozen Iranian assets.

Pakistani mediators, hosting the prospective talks, expressed optimism. A senior Pakistani official involved said the priority is a permanent end to the war, with other issues...