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Axios reports speaking with American officials who claimed that Iranian and US negotiators had reached a framework for an agreement to end the war, and that the signing of the document was awaiting President Donald Trump’s final approval.
The officials explained that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and open a window for negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program. “This is an agreement to get everybody to the table. We will work out the details in the negotiations,” one official explained.
The report published by Axios on Thursday follows a series of articles citing sources who claimed the MOU was close to being signed. However, statements from officials from Washington and Tehran show there are still significant gaps between the two sides. Additionally, ceasefire violations continue.
Twice this week, the US bombed Iran and asserted the strikes were “defensive.” Iran has condemned the attacks as “gross violations” of the truce. In response, Tehran said it attacked a US airbase in Kuwait.
US officials told Axios that the MOU will reopen the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran charging tolls to ships that transit the waterway, and Washington will lift its blockade of Iranian ports. They added that the MOU includes a commitment from Iran not to develop nuclear weapons.
Tehran has long maintained a ban on weapons of mass destruction, includign developing nuclear weapons. However, Iran says its civilian nuclear enrichment program is key to the country’s sovereignty.
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