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diplomacyMay 24, 2026

Inside the US-Iran deal Trump is close to signing

Summary

The deal would avoid an escalation of the war and decrease the pressure on the global oil supply. However, it's unclear whether it will lead to a lasting peace agreement that also addresses President Trump's nuclear demands, said Axios report. Both Trump and the mediators have indicated the deal could be announced on Sunday, though it has not been finalized and could still fall apart. ALSO READ | Deal with Iran, opening of Strait of Hormuz 'largely negotiated': Trump What's in the deal?As per Axios, both sides would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that would last 60 days and could be extended by mutual consent. During the 60-day period, the Strait of Hormuz would be open with no tolls and Iran would agree to clear the mines it deployed in the strait to let ships pass freely. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue some sanctions waivers to allow Iran to sell oil freely. An official quoted by Axios said Trump's key principle in the agreement is "relief for performance." Iran wanted funds unfrozen immediately and permanent sanctions relief, but the US side said that would only happen after tangible concessions were made, according to the official. The draft MOU includes commitments from Iran to never pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate over a suspension of its uranium enrichment program and the removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the US official said. "According to two sources with knowledge, Iran gave the U.S. through the mediators verbal commitments about the scope of the concessions it's willing to make on suspending enrichment and giving up the nuclear material," Axios report stated. The US would agree to negotiate over lifting sanctions and unfreezing Iranian funds during the 60-day period — though those steps would only be implemented as part of a final agreement that is verifiably implemented. U.S. forces that were mobilised in recent months would stay in the region during the 60-day period and only withdraw if a final deal is reached. The draft MOU also makes clear that the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would end. How it happenedPresident Trump sounded out several Arab and Muslim leaders about the deal in a conference call on Saturday, and all said they support it, three sources familiar with the call told Axios. That included the UAE's hawkish president, Mohammed bin Zayed, according to the U.S. official. Also on the call were the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan, all of which have been involved in the mediation efforts. The Pakistanis have been the primary mediator, led by Field Marshal Asim Munir, who was in Tehran on Friday and Saturday in an effort to get the deal across the line. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

Perspectives

Iranian Official

The Iranian government views the proposed 60-day MOU as a necessary step to counter U.S. aggression, including its illegal blockade of Iranian ports and sanctions that threaten national sovereignty and oil exports. In exchange for temporarily opening the Strait of Hormuz and clearing mines, Iran will secure sanctions relief only after verifiable performance, rejecting any immediate or permanent concessions that undermine its rights. This arrangement reflects Iran's resistance to foreign pressure while safeguarding its sovereign control over strategic waterways and its peaceful nuclear program.

Israeli

From an Israeli security standpoint, the proposed 60-day U.S.-Iran MOU—granting sanctions relief and oil export access in exchange for temporary Strait of Hormuz openings and unenforceable nuclear pledges—risks channeling funds to Tehran's proxy networks, amplifying existential threats to Israel via Hezbollah, Hamas, and other fronts. Such arrangements underscore the defensive necessity for Israel to maintain independent capabilities against an Iranian regime whose commitments have repeatedly proven unreliable. Any deal short of full nuclear dismantlement could embolden further aggression rather than reduce regional dangers.

Neutral

According to an Axios report, the United States and Iran have negotiated a draft 60-day memorandum of understanding that would open the Strait of Hormuz without tolls, require Iran to clear deployed mines, and provide U.S. sanctions waivers allowing Iranian oil sales in exchange for unspecified performance steps. The agreement reportedly includes Iranian commitments not to pursue nuclear weapons and to discuss suspension of uranium enrichment and removal of highly enriched uranium stockpiles. Both sides have indicated a possible announcement on Sunday, though the text remains unfinalized and its extension or conversion into a longer-term accord addressing nuclear issues has not been confirmed.

Western

The proposed 60-day U.S.-Iran memorandum would neutralize threats to maritime security and global energy flows by securing unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian mine clearance. Targeted sanctions relief would be granted strictly on a "relief for performance" basis in exchange for Iran's commitments to renounce nuclear weapons, suspend enrichment, and remove its highly enriched uranium stockpile. This interim framework prioritizes de-escalation while advancing verifiable steps to constrain Iranian capabilities.

Pro-Peace

A potential US-Iran deal could avert escalation that risks heavy civilian casualties, widespread displacement, and humanitarian crises across the region, while easing blockades that have already inflicted severe economic hardship on Iranian families and disrupted global energy access for vulnerable populations. The proposed 60-day MOU, opening the Strait of Hormuz and offering limited sanctions relief in exchange for nuclear commitments, underscores diplomacy as the essential path to de-escalation rather than confrontation. Sustained talks remain vital to prevent further human suffering.

Global South

The proposed 60-day US-Iran memorandum, hinging on Iran's clearance of the Strait of Hormuz and curbs on its uranium program in exchange for partial sanctions relief and port access, underscores Washington's leverage through unilateral blockades that prioritize American interests over equitable global trade. From a non-aligned vantage, such arrangements expose the neo-colonial pattern of extracting strategic concessions from Global South nations while delaying meaningful sovereignty over resources and security. Lasting de-escalation remains doubtful, as the "relief for performance" structure and uncertain nuclear talks reveal the fragility of deals shaped by US domestic priorities rather than multilateral institutions.

Actors involved

USIsraelIranProxy

Sources

  • SECTIONS Inside the US-Iran deal Trump is closeBy SECTIONS Inside the US-Iran deal Trump is close

    The deal would avoid an escalation of the war and decrease the pressure on the global oil supply. However, it's unclear whether it will lead to a lasting peace agreement that also addresses President Trump's nuclear demands, said Axios report. Both Trump and the mediators have in

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