Iran and the United States are discussing a temporary framework that could pause hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and allow broader negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme, The New York Times reported, citing three senior Iranian officials familiar with the talks.
According to the report, the proposed arrangement would establish a 30-day pause in fighting while both sides continue negotiations toward a more permanent agreement.
The interim framework reportedly includes lifting the US blockade on Iranian shipping and ports, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic and maintaining a ceasefire during the negotiation period.
More contentious issues — including sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear programme and the release of frozen Iranian assets overseas — would be addressed during the proposed talks, the report said.
The New York Times reported that one of the main sticking points remains Washington’s demand for commitments regarding Iran’s uranium stockpile and nuclear facilities.
According to the report, US negotiators are seeking an agreement under which Iran would transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States, shut down three nuclear facilities and suspend uranium enrichment activities for 20 years.
Iranian officials told the newspaper that Tehran is willing to commit to not pursuing nuclear weapons and to suspend uranium enrichment, though discussions continue over the duration and terms of such measures.
The officials also said Iran has proposed diluting part of its uranium stockpile while transferring the remainder to a third country, potentially Russia.
Under Tehran’s proposal, uranium enrichment would reportedly be suspended for 10 to 15 years, though no agreement has been reached on the future of the three nuclear facilities.
