A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran would require Tehran to maintain the current status of its nuclear program while negotiations continue toward a comprehensive agreement, according to reports by Israel's Channel 12 and Saudi-owned Al Arabiya.
Under the reported framework, Iran would formally reaffirm its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. The two sides would also seek to resolve the future of Iran's stockpile of enriched uranium and begin discussions on uranium enrichment levels and Tehran's civilian nuclear requirements.
Al Arabiya reported that the document contains 14 articles outlining the principles of a broader diplomatic settlement.
Ceasefire Commitments Extend Across all Fronts
According to the reports, both Washington and Tehran, along with their respective allies, would commit to halting military activity across all regional fronts, including Lebanon.
The memorandum reportedly includes mutual commitments to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity while engaging in a 60-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a final agreement. The talks could be extended with the consent of both parties.
The draft also reportedly establishes that a final agreement would be endorsed through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
Hormuz Shipping at Center of Deal
One of the most significant reported provisions concerns maritime security.
According to the draft, the United States would remove its naval blockade measures immediately after the memorandum is signed. Iran, in turn, would work to restore commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and ensure safe passage for vessels during the negotiation period.
Channel 12 reported that Iran would guarantee safe transit through the strategic waterway free of charge for 60 days, although that specific provision was not mentioned in Al Arabiya's report.
The agreement also reportedly calls for a reduction of the U.S. military presence in the region within 30 days after a final agreement enters into force.
Sanctions Relief and Access to Frozen Assets
The memorandum outlines substantial economic incentives designed to support diplomacy.
According to the reports, Washington would refrain from imposing new sanctions during negotiations and would suspend enforcement of existing sanctions targeting Iranian crude oil and petroleum exports.
The United States would also facilitate the release of Iranian assets frozen abroad. If a final agreement is reached, Washington would work toward lifting all sanctions imposed on Iran, including those linked to United Nations mechanisms and nuclear oversight frameworks.
$300 Billion Reconstruction Fund Proposed
A notable element of the reported framework is the creation of a $300 billion reconstruction and development fund for Iran as part of any final settlement.
According to Al Arabiya, the fund would be established through cooperation between the United States and regional partners. Reuters cited a source familiar with the matter as saying that more than half of the proposed funding has already been secured through various companies and financial channels.
Lebanon Emerges as a Key Component
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the memorandum would not be sustainable without guarantees related to Lebanon's security and territorial integrity.
According to Baghaei, Lebanon is referenced multiple times in the draft document, with respect for Lebanese sovereignty forming a central pillar of the proposed arrangement.
Hezbollah-affiliated sources claimed that Iran has pledged not to finalize a comprehensive agreement with the United States until Israel withdraws from Lebanese territory.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed confidence that the diplomatic process would survive ongoing tensions. Trump also urged greater restraint regarding military operations in Lebanon, arguing that excessive destruction risks civilian casualties and could complicate broader regional stabilization efforts.
Negotiations Toward a Comprehensive Settlement
If signed, the memorandum would serve as an interim framework designed to reduce regional tensions, stabilize maritime trade routes, and create political space for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief.
The success of the initiative, however, will depend on the ability of both sides to translate the preliminary commitments into a detailed and enforceable final agreement while managing ongoing security challenges across the Middle East.
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