Washington: The United States and Iran may be moving closer to one of the most significant diplomatic agreements of this century, according to a report by Axios citing two U.S. officials and two other sources familiar with the matter.
According to the report, the White House believes both sides are nearing agreement on a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) that could create a framework for ending the ongoing conflict and opening the door for broader nuclear negotiations.
Critical Response Expected Within 48 Hours
White House officials told Axios that Washington expects Iran to respond within the next 48 hours on several key issues. While no final agreement has been reached so far, sources say this is the closest the two countries have come to a possible deal since the conflict began.
Key Terms Being Discussed
According to sources cited in the report, the proposed memorandum could include several major commitments from both sides:Iran would agree to halt nuclear enrichment activities.
The United States would move toward easing sanctions.Billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds could be released.
Both countries would remove restrictions affecting movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Final Implementation Still Uncertain
Officials familiar with the discussions say many of these conditions would only take effect after a final and broader agreement is completed. This leaves open the possibility of renewed military confrontation or an uncertain ceasefire without a long-term political resolution.
Internal Divisions in Iranian Leadership
The White House reportedly believes divisions within Iran’s leadership could complicate efforts to reach consensus. Different political and military factions inside Iran may not fully agree on the terms being discussed, creating uncertainty around even an initial understanding.
Some U.S. officials also remain skeptical about whether an early agreement can actually be secured.
Trump’s Recent Military Decision Linked to Talks
According to two American officials, President Donald Trump recently decided not to move forward with a newly announced operation in the Strait of Hormuz, partly because of progress made during these sensitive negotiations and to avoid damaging the fragile ceasefire.
Marco Rubio Calls for a Practical Diplomatic Path
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that such a deal cannot be completed in a single day.
Rubio said the issue remains highly technical and complex, stressing that Washington wants a diplomatic solution that clearly defines which issues Iran is prepared to negotiate and how far its leadership is willing to compromise in the early stages.
At the same time, Rubio also made sharp remarks about some senior Iranian leaders, saying it remains unclear whether they are truly prepared to finalize any agreement.
