US, Iran negotiators have reached deal but still need Trump approval - report

Lead

US and Iranian negotiators have reached a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would extend the ceasefire for 60 days and open negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, according to multiple reports. However, the deal has not yet received final approval from President Donald Trump.

The draft agreement, first reported by the US news outlet Axios and carried by several international media outlets, was finalized on May 26, but both sides still needed approval from their senior leadership, Axios reported, citing sources. According to the report, US officials said Iranian negotiators later indicated they had the necessary approvals and were prepared to sign, though Iran has not confirmed that.

The proposed MoU is expected to last 60 days and kick-start negotiations toward a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program, as reported by Axios and cited by the Jerusalem Post and Yonhap News.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported on May 28 that US and Iranian negotiators had reached a memorandum of understanding on a proposed 60-day ceasefire extension, according to US sources, but the deal still requires President Trump's approval.

TASS, citing Axios, reported that the draft agreement was awaiting approval from both President Trump and Iran's senior leadership. The Russian state news agency also noted that the Iranian leadership had not yet confirmed readiness to sign.

The Hindu reported that the tentative agreement was worked out by the two sides at a moment when the fragile ceasefire appeared to be wavering, with the US military accusing Iran of violating the ceasefire after Kuwait reported coming under attack following an American strike against the Islamic Republic.

Several reports indicate that President Trump has requested amendments to the draft. The BBC reported that the changes are related to the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of highly enriched uranium, citing CBS News, the BBC's US news partner. The Jerusalem Post reported that Trump asked for several amendments during a Situation Room meeting on Friday, with a senior administration official saying the president wanted more specifics about how the US would obtain enriched uranium and the timing.

TASS reported on June 2 that Trump announced the US and Iran could finalize the memorandum of understanding next week, but noted that he had not agreed to the previous version of the document because he still had "a few more points" to be included.

Key Claims

The proposed MoU includes commitments from both sides. According to reports from Axios, cited by the Jerusalem Post and Yonhap, the agreement includes Iran's commitment not to pursue the development of a nuclear weapon. The Hindu reported that Iran has pledged to refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons and to relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Reports indicate that the first issues to be negotiated during the 60-day period will be the disposal of Iran's highly enriched uranium and its enrichment program, as stated by Axios and reported by TASS and Yonhap.

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported that the draft MOU specifies that transit and shipping through the strait will be unrestricted, with no tolls charged and no harassment, as cited by the Jerusalem Post and Yonhap. Iran will be required to remove all mines from the strait within 30 days, according to one official cited by Axios.

In exchange, the US will lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports and waive some sanctions, allowing the country to sell oil freely, the Jerusalem Post reported, citing Axios. The lifting of the blockade will proceed in proportion to the restoration of commercial traffic through the strait, Yonhap reported.

The agreement also includes a US commitment to discuss sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds as part of the negotiations, according to Axios, as reported by TASS. The New York Times reported that Trump has been concerned about parts of the potential deal that would include unfreezing funds for the Iranians, the Jerusalem Post noted.

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said on Sunday that Tehran would not agree to any deal unless Iranian rights were fully secured, the BBC reported.

Perspectives

Trump administration: President Trump has expressed support for the deal's framework but has requested amendments to strengthen certain points, particularly regarding enriched uranium and the Strait of Hormuz. A senior administration official said, "There will be a deal. The imminence of it, we'll see. We're willing to wait so the president gets what he asks for." Trump has emphasized his red line that Iran will not develop nuclear weapons, saying, "The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They've agreed to that."

Iranian leadership: Iran's senior leadership has not yet confirmed its readiness to sign the MoU. Chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran would not agree to any deal unless Iranian rights were fully secured, the BBC reported.