A possible breakthrough between Iran and the United States has emerged after officials revealed details of a draft agreement that could reshape relations between the two countries and ease years of tension over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters, as relayed by The Jerusalem Post, that Iran has agreed, under a final draft memorandum of understanding, that it will not develop or obtain nuclear weapons.
The development comes after years of diplomatic deadlock and escalating disputes over Iran’s nuclear activities, with international powers repeatedly warning about the risks of further uranium enrichment.
The latest discussions gained momentum after Qatari mediators travelled to Tehran to assist with negotiations, highlighting the role regional players have taken in trying to bring both sides closer together.
According to the Iranian official, the proposed agreement includes a commitment from the United States to help Tehran reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium inside Iran. The exact process will be worked out during a 60-day negotiation period.
The draft also reportedly includes plans for the US and regional partners to develop a reconstruction and economic development package for Iran, with further discussions expected before final approval.
The agreement follows an announcement by US President Donald Trump, who said several countries in the region had supported the deal, including Israel, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
Other countries involved in mediation efforts, including Qatar and Pakistan, were also listed as supporting the diplomatic process.
Under the reported terms, Iran would not continue expanding its nuclear capabilities while negotiations continue. This includes halting uranium enrichment activities and preventing further expansion of nuclear facilities until a permanent agreement is reached.
Economic relief is another major part of the proposed deal.
The United States is expected to temporarily remove oil sanctions on Iran and release around $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets, including through direct financial transfers.
The move would represent a significant shift in Washington’s approach towards Tehran, especially after Trump previously criticised the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), arguing that it provided Iran with major financial benefits.
Trump had previously claimed that the earlier agreement involved massive payments to Iran, including what he described as large cash transfers, while insisting the new arrangement would be different.
The draft memorandum also reportedly includes measures affecting global trade routes, with the US expected to lift restrictions on Iranian ports and Iran agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with a significant portion of global oil shipments passing through it. Any disruption in the area has historically raised concerns about energy prices and international stability.
While the proposed agreement still requires further negotiations before becoming official, it marks one of the most significant diplomatic openings between Washington and Tehran in recent years.
If finalised, the deal could ease regional tensions, reshape economic relationships in the Middle East and become a major test of whether diplomacy can succeed after years of confrontation.
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