The White House believes it is closing in on a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran that would end the ongoing war and establish a framework for detailed nuclear negotiations, according to multiple U.S. officials and sources briefed on the matter.
The 14-point memorandum of understanding is being negotiated between President Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several Iranian officials, both directly and through mediators. Under the proposed terms, Iran would commit to a moratorium on uranium enrichment lasting at least 12 years, with some sources suggesting 15 years as a likely compromise between the U.S. demand of 20 years and Iran's initial offer of five. Tehran would also pledge never to seek a nuclear weapon or conduct weaponization-related activities, and would submit to an enhanced inspections regime including snap inspections by UN monitors.
In exchange, the United States would agree to gradually lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds. Both sides would lift restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran had imposed shipping limitations and the U.S. maintained a naval blockade. The restrictions would be gradually eased during a 30-day period of negotiations on a comprehensive agreement, which could take place in Islamabad or Geneva.
Two sources also claimed Iran would agree to remove its highly enriched uranium from the country, with one source saying the material could be moved to the United States. If the subsequent negotiations collapse, U.S. forces would retain the ability to restore the blockade or resume military action.
Despite the progress, officials cautioned that nothing has been formally agreed, and some U.S. officials remain skeptical that a deal will be finalized. The White House believes Iran's leadership is divided, making consensus difficult to achieve. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged Tuesday that the process was "highly complex and technical" while questioning whether Iran's top leaders would ultimately make a deal.