Nuclear Program Negotiations Worth Billions: What Does the Draft Agreement Between Tehran and Washington Contain?

(Patria) - Iran's state news agency Mehr on Sunday published alleged details of a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, according to which $24 billion of frozen Iranian assets would be released during 60 days of negotiations.

However, this draft has not been independently confirmed, and neither Iranian nor American officials have publicly commented on its contents so far. According to Mehr, the document largely corresponds to a version previously published by the agency.

The draft agreement, as stated, envisages an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, with the obligation of the United States not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs and to respect the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic.

It also states that Washington would commit to lifting the naval blockade within 30 days, withdrawing forces from areas around Iran, and enabling the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with arrangements that Tehran would establish in the same period.

According to the same reports, during the 60-day negotiations, $24 billion of frozen Iranian assets would be released, with half of the funds being available even before the start of the talks. On the other hand, the American side emphasizes that sanctions would only be discussed within the negotiation process.

The announcement comes after some regional and international leaders welcomed the news of a framework agreement. Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other officials publicly supported this development, while U.S. President Donald Trump described the agreement as an “excellent deal” that could bring peace and security to the region and contribute to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

One of the politically most sensitive provisions concerns the scope of future negotiations. According to Mehr, the talks would be limited to the issue of enriched uranium, nuclear activities, lifting sanctions, and economic reconstruction, while Iran's missile program and support for allied armed groups would be excluded from the negotiating agenda.

On the economic front, the draft allegedly envisages the suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil, petrochemical products, and exports, thereby allowing Tehran full access to revenues. It also mentions a demand that the United States and its allies present reconstruction plans for Iran worth at least $300 billion.

As Mehr reports, the two sides would then enter a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final agreement covering Iran's nuclear program, the lifting of U.S. sanctions, and restrictions related to the United Nations Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

According to the alleged framework, Iran would reaffirm its commitment under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons not to develop nuclear weapons, while the United States would not decide on additional military presence in the region or the imposition of new sanctions during the negotiations.