DUBAI — Iran's state television reported on Tuesday that it had obtained a draft framework for an initial memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington aimed at ending their recent conflict, with provisions to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz within a month and lift a U.S. naval blockade.
The draft, described as unofficial and not yet finalized, would see Iran manage ship traffic through the vital waterway in cooperation with Oman, while excluding military vessels from the arrangement. According to the state TV report, the United States would withdraw its military forces from the vicinity of Iran as part of the deal.
"The framework... was not yet finalised and that Tehran would take no steps without 'tangible verification'," state television stated, emphasizing that any final agreement reached within 60 days could potentially be approved as a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
The emerging U.S.-Iran understanding stems from indirect talks that began after the war erupted in February, with Pakistan serving as the central mediator between the two sides. The conflict itself followed a sharp escalation between Iran and Israel earlier this year, involving exchanges of missile and drone attacks that disrupted shipping in the Gulf and prompted U.S. military involvement.
Officials in Tehran have not publicly confirmed the details beyond the state media report, and the draft remains subject to further negotiations. The report corrected earlier accounts by clarifying that state TV, rather than the Iranian government directly, had obtained the document.
Regional analysts note that the Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of global oil shipments, making any agreement on reopening the route a matter of international economic interest. The proposed timeline calls for a return to pre-war shipping levels within 30 days if the framework advances.
Pakistan's role as mediator has drawn attention from diplomats in the region, though Islamabad has not issued an official statement on the latest developments. The indirect nature of the talks reflects the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States.
Earlier this year, the missile and drone exchanges between Iran and Israel raised fears of a wider regional conflict, drawing in additional U.S. naval assets and leading to the blockade mentioned in the draft. Shipping companies have been monitoring the situation closely since February.
If approved, the memorandum could mark a significant de-escalation, though both sides have stressed the need for verification before any commitments are implemented. State TV added that the framework envisions Iran overseeing traffic management alongside Omani authorities.
Further details on the negotiations remain limited, with the report indicating that the draft excludes provisions for military vessels passing through the strait. The 60-day window for reaching a final agreement would set a clear deadline for the indirect talks mediated by Pakistan.
International observers continue to watch for any official reactions from Washington or Tehran in the coming days, as the report from Iranian state media provides the first public glimpse into the proposed terms.