The U.S. and Iran are negotiating a one-page memorandum of understanding intended to break the standoff in the Strait of Hormuz and set a 30-day timeline to work toward a more comprehensive nuclear deal, according to officials familiar with the talks.
The draft on the table from the Trump administration would have Iran ease its control over the strait while the U.S. gradually lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports over 30 days. Officials stress nothing is formally agreed and key issues—such as Iran’s demand to charge a transit toll—remain unresolved.
Negotiators from both sides have exchanged multiple draft versions in recent days, and the administration is awaiting Iran’s feedback on several points. The memorandum does include terms related to Iran’s nuclear program, but most specifics are expected to be negotiated during the 30-day period. Officials declined to characterize the proposal as a take-it-or-leave-it offer. Axios first reported progress toward such a memorandum.
The administration’s pursuit of a short-term memorandum marks a significant shift. Previously, officials say the U.S. rejected Iranian proposals that prioritized clearing shipping lanes while postponing nuclear issues. Explanations for the change vary: some officials cite international pressure, signs the ceasefire was at risk, and doubts about the viability of Operation Freedom; others point to recent indications that Iran may be moving toward U.S. positions on certain nuclear matters, raising confidence gaps could be bridged within 30 days.
Major hurdles remain. Officials say they are uncertain whether Iran’s leadership is unified enough to accept any deal. Lifting the U.S. naval blockade would also remove a large portion of economic pressure on Iran, and reimposing comparable pain quickly would be difficult without more drastic measures.
On nuclear issues, two sources say Iran has expressed willingness to allow its highly enriched uranium (HEU) to be excavated and moved out of the country for down-blending. While the sides have not agreed on the length of an enrichment moratorium, both appear closer to a compromise that would see Iran suspend enrichment for at least 10 years. Any lifting of other economic restrictions, such as sanctions or frozen assets, would be gradual and contingent on verification measures.