DUBAI, June 17: A leaked interim agreement between the United States and Iran outlines a framework to end the conflict between the two countries while opening a 60-day period for negotiations on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Under the deal, Iran would immediately begin steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route, and would be allowed to sell its oil without restrictions. The agreement is expected to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday.
The accord also envisions Iran receiving at least USD 300 billion in reconstruction assistance following the war, while the US would work toward lifting all American and United Nations sanctions if a final nuclear agreement is reached.
Critics argue that the arrangement offers Iran significant benefits upfront while postponing resolution of the central issue that prompted the conflict — preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The agreement would effectively restore conditions that existed before the war by ending hostilities, restarting US-Iran nuclear negotiations and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
It also includes a ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, although disagreements remain over Israel’s military presence in southern Lebanon.
While neither Washington nor Tehran has officially released the text, several Middle Eastern officials said leaked versions published by media outlets broadly reflect the final document.
However, White House communications director Steven Cheung disputed the accuracy of the leaked text, while Iranian media claimed some sections were missing.
US President Donald Trump praised the memorandum but acknowledged it could be abandoned if he becomes dissatisfied with its implementation.
One of the most controversial provisions allows Iran to resume unrestricted oil exports through sanctions waivers at the start of negotiations, reducing a key source of US leverage.
The deal also raises the possibility of eventually lifting all sanctions on Iran and releasing frozen assets, going beyond some provisions of the 2015 nuclear accord.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would provide major relief to the global economy after the conflict disrupted energy supplies and pushed up prices worldwide.
However, many crucial issues remain unresolved, particularly limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran again pledged that it would never build a nuclear weapon, a commitment it also made under the 2015 agreement. (AP)
