Iran Says Draft US Deal Includes Oil Sanctions Waiver, Nuclear Limits and Frozen Asset Release

Iranian officials said a draft agreement under negotiation with the United States includes temporary waivers on oil sanctions, limits on Tehran’s nuclear activities, and the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, marking one of the most significant diplomatic developments between the two countries in years. (Reuters)

According to Reuters, a senior Iranian official said the draft memorandum of understanding outlines a phased framework intended to reduce regional tensions and pave the way for broader negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions regime. (Reuters)

Oil Sanctions Relief Included in Draft

The proposed agreement reportedly includes temporary U.S. waivers allowing Iran to resume certain oil exports and regain access to oil revenues under a structured timetable. Iranian officials said Washington would also avoid imposing new sanctions while final negotiations continue. (Reuters)

The draft additionally includes the release of approximately $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets through a combination of direct transfers, regional financial cooperation, and international credit mechanisms, according to reports citing Iranian negotiators. (Reuters)

Global energy markets reacted cautiously to the reports, as expanded Iranian oil exports could potentially increase global crude supply and ease upward pressure on fuel prices. (The Economic Times)

Nuclear Restrictions and Uranium Limits

Under the draft framework, Iran would agree not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons and would temporarily freeze further expansion of its nuclear program pending a final agreement. The proposal reportedly includes limits on uranium enrichment and future negotiations over Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile. (Reuters)

Reuters reported that Iran would maintain its current nuclear infrastructure during the interim negotiation period but refrain from further escalation in enrichment activities. The United States would reportedly permit Iran to dilute portions of its highly enriched uranium domestically under a future comprehensive arrangement. (Reuters)

The draft agreement would reportedly open a 60-day negotiation window focused on a broader long-term settlement covering sanctions, nuclear monitoring, and regional security arrangements. (Reuters)

Strait of Hormuz Reopening Part of Proposal

Iranian officials also said the memorandum includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz fully to commercial shipping following the signing of the agreement. The United States would begin lifting naval restrictions on Iranian ports within 30 days of implementation, according to Reuters reporting. (Reuters)

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, carrying a major share of globally traded crude oil. The waterway experienced repeated disruptions during the recent regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and allied forces. (Reuters)

President Donald Trump Signals Support

President Donald Trump said over the weekend that a peace agreement with Iran was nearing completion and suggested a formal signing could take place later this week in Switzerland. Iranian officials confirmed that the text of the draft memorandum had largely been agreed upon, though some details remain under negotiation. (euronews)

However, political resistance remains strong on both sides. Hardline factions inside Iran have criticized the proposed terms, arguing the deal may not provide sufficient guarantees on sanctions relief or regional security. (The Guardian)

Israeli officials have also expressed concern about elements of the proposed arrangement, particularly regarding Iran’s regional influence and future nuclear capabilities. (Reuters)

Final Agreement Still Uncertain

Despite progress, no final treaty has yet been signed, and several critical issues remain unresolved, including verification mechanisms, long-term nuclear restrictions, and the timeline for sanctions removal. Officials from both countries indicated that implementation would begin only after formal approval and ratification procedures are completed. (Reuters)

Diplomatic observers say the negotiations represent the most serious attempt at a new Iran-U.S. framework since the collapse of the original 2015 nuclear agreement. (Wikipedia)