MOSCOW, May 24: The United States and Iran may sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a 60-day ceasefire extension, during which time the Strait of Hormuz will be open without tolls, Axios reported citing an unnamed US official.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump claimed that the deal with Iran was largely finalised, and that the final aspects and details were being discussed and would be announced soon.
According to the portal, the official provided it with details of the draft Memorandum of Understanding between the countries.
Both sides will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, which will be valid for 60 days and can be extended by mutual agreement. Within 60 days, the Strait of Hormuz will be open without tolls, and Iran will agree to clear mines laid in the strait to ensure unimpeded passage of ships, the publication said.
The US will lift the blockade of Iranian ports and grant Iran some waivers to allow it to freely sell oil, the portal reported.
The US official noted that the sooner Tehran removed mines from the Strait of Hormuz and resumed shipping, the sooner the blockade would be lifted.
Citing an unnamed US official, Axios reported that the draft memorandum of understanding includes Iran’s commitment never to develop nuclear weapons and to negotiate the suspension of its uranium enrichment programme and the withdrawal of its highly enriched uranium stockpiles.
As two sources familiar with the situation told the portal, Iran, through intermediaries, has given the US “verbal promises” regarding the scale of concessions it is willing to make regarding the suspension of enrichment and the abandonment of nuclear material.
Axios also reported that the US military forces previously deployed to the Middle East amid the escalating conflict with Iran will remain there for another 60 days and leave the region if Tehran finally accepts the deal.
The portal reported that the US is ready to discuss unfreezing of frozen Iranian assets within 60 days if final deal is adopted.
The draft Memorandum of Understanding also envisages end to armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
(UNI)
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