ALBAWABA – Iranian officials are still considering a proposed framework agreement with the United States, notwithstanding reports that negotiators had made substantial headway toward a basic arrangement to de-escalate tensions and achieve a comprehensive settlement.
The draft deal has not yet been approved and still needs to be vetted by the relevant authorities before it can go to the next stage, Iranian media said.
The framework has been seen as providing a blueprint for future negotiations largely over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief and economic recovery but not the debates over Tehran’s missile capabilities and backing for allied parties in the region.
According to leaked information, the proposal also includes a permanent ceasefire on many fronts as well as agreements on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the relaxation of oil sanctions and the release of blocked Iranian assets.
The proposal also reportedly includes a 60-day timeframe of negotiations to reach a comprehensive agreement. During that time Iran would reaffirm its commitment to nuclear non-proliferation duties and Washington would refrain from implementing new sanctions or expanding its military deployment around Iran.
One of the biggest rumored provisions is the possibility of unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian accounts, and more wide-ranging economic measures aimed at supporting Iran’s recovery and re-entry into global markets.
The idea is said to contain a monitoring mechanism to check execution and might be formalized through international channels in the end if both sides achieve a final agreement.
Iranian leaders meanwhile have sought to demonstrate unity amid reports about negotiations. Lawmakers and political leaders said that the military and diplomatic institutions are fully linked and working under one national plan.
The fresh claims come as indirect talks between Tehran and Washington continue, raising hopes that the two sides may be edging toward an initial understanding, although substantial political and technical barriers remain before any deal can be ratified.
