The United States and Iran have indicated that negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme and wider regional issues are moving towards a possible breakthrough, though significant differences remain over how the proposed agreement would work in practice.
A senior White House official said a memorandum of understanding could be signed within days and expressed growing confidence that a deal would be reached. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has maintained that any final agreement will depend on whether the United States fulfils its commitments under an initial understanding, underscoring the gaps that still exist between the two sides.
10 key developments
1. White House says a deal could be signed soon
A senior US official said negotiations were progressing and estimated an 80-85 per cent likelihood that an agreement could be signed within the next few days, though no final date has been set.
2. Washington says the deal meets Trump’s objectives
According to the White House, the proposed agreement fulfils the core goals set by President Donald Trump for the negotiations.
3. Strait of Hormuz central to the agreement
The US says the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end restrictions affecting one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
4. Iran’s nuclear programme at the heart of talks
Washington says the agreement would lead to the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear programme as part of a broader settlement.
5. US wants enriched material removed
The White House said enriched nuclear material would be destroyed on site and then taken out of Iran under the proposed arrangement.
6. Inspection mechanism proposed
US officials said the agreement includes a verification and inspection regime designed to ensure long-term compliance by both sides.
7. Tehran says implementation comes first
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the final agreement would not be signed unless the provisions of an initial memorandum of understanding are fully implemented.
8. Iran proposes a 60-day compliance window
According to Araghchi, the United States would be given 60 days after the initial agreement to carry out its obligations. Iran says the process could move forward, be extended, or revert to the previous situation depending on implementation.
9. Differences remain over nuclear material
While the US says enriched uranium would be removed from Iran, Araghchi said Tehran’s position remains that any dilution of enriched material, if required, must take place inside Iran and not in another country.
10. Military options were reportedly considered
Separately, CNN reported that senior US military officials briefed President Trump on plans for a potential operation to seize Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile. The report said Trump ultimately decided against authorising the mission because of concerns over casualties, possible Iranian retaliation and wider economic consequences.
Conflicting narratives emerge
The latest statements also revealed differing public interpretations of the proposed agreement.
The White House rejected reports that Iran would receive immediate financial benefits upon signing, saying any economic incentives would depend on Tehran meeting specific obligations under the deal.
Iran, meanwhile, has stressed issues including sanctions relief, sovereignty and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi said the draft text is being reviewed within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, where both supporters and opponents of the proposal are weighing its implications.
Despite those differences, officials on both sides have suggested that negotiations are closer to a conclusion than at any point in recent months, even as key details continue to be negotiated.