In an anonymous telephone briefing, the official presented the outline of a preliminary 60-day agreement (memorandum of understanding, MOU) that would open the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that although both sides “are not at the finish line yet, they are very close.” On Friday morning, he estimated the chances of signing at 75 percent, currently he estimates them at 80-85 percent.
According to an administration representative, the agreement is based on four pillars: opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the blockade; dismantling Iran's nuclear program with the transfer of enriched material to the US to be “destroyed on site and then removed from the country”, long-term regional peace, and an inspection regime to ensure commitments are verified.
Iran to receive “economic benefits”
In return, Iran is to receive a gradual relaxation of sanctions and reintegration into the world economy. The representative of the White House categorically denied reports that specific amounts were paid to Tehran – $12, $6 or $1 billion. — when signing the memorandum.
— The Iranians get nothing when the MOU is signed or during the negotiations themselves. They receive economic benefits for fulfilling their obligations, he noted. He did not provide details of these benefits, limiting himself only to general principles. – I don't trust them to keep the agreement. However, I trust that we have constructed it in such a way that they will not receive their benefits until we receive ours, he said.
Iran is to commit indefinitely not to acquire nuclear weapons, which the interlocutor described as “an important concession that the president was very keen on.” Following the signing of the MOU, there will be 60 days of technical negotiations on the details of dismantling the program and exporting the fissile material.
The official did not provide the exact date or place of signing the agreement. Among other things, the following are being considered: Europe as an “intermediate place” between the USA and Iran.
