The remote back and forth between Washington and Tehran continues for hours after the announcement of an agreement reached and the imminent signature which could put an end to the conflict between the USA and Iran after three months. But the text – according to some negotiating sources now “agreed” – is slow to be distributed ‘in black and white’, while discrepant versions leak out precisely on the central issues of the expected memorandum. Below are the key themes according to what has been released so far by multiple sources.
The points of the agreement according to the leaked drafts
- Immediate cessation of the war, also in Lebanon. The agreement would impose an immediate and permanent halt to the conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon. Also included is the United States’ commitment not to interfere in Iran’s internal affairs and respect for Tehran’s sovereignty.
- Stop the naval blockade. The US would lift the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports within 30 days of signing it and would not interfere with the transit of ships to or from the Islamic Republic.
- Withdrawal of US troops. Washington would commit to withdrawing its military forces from the area surrounding Iran.
- Reopening of Hormuz. The crucial issue is the management of the Strait of Hormuz which, according to what has been leaked, would be reopened within 30 days “with agreements with Iran”.
- Easing of sanctions and reconstruction. The suspension of US restrictive measures on Iranian oil would be expected. The United States and its allies would also draw up reconstruction plans for Iran worth at least $300 billion.
- Unfreezing Iranian assets. The draft claims that $24 billion in Iranian funds will be released and that a monitoring mechanism will be established to implement the deal.
- UN resolution. As already emerged for the previous versions in the negotiation phase, this draft also establishes that the definitive agreement will have to be approved through a resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
The unresolved issue: the nuclear program
This is the point that is still controversial: Washington and Tehran claim ‘differences’ in the draft. The Iranian IRNA agency says that, under the current memorandum, no agreement has been reached on the issue. But this version contrasts with that provided by a senior White House official, according to whom Iran has agreed to dismantle its nuclear program and destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium, and Tehran will not get back any of the frozen funds until it fulfills these commitments.