Iran vs. US: These are the points the countries seem to want to agree on

A significant development has emerged in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the United States, as both nations have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities in multiple regions, including Lebanon. According to reports published by Frankfurter Allgemeine and Der Spiegel, the framework agreement was unveiled by a high-ranking U.S. official during a press briefing in Washington on Wednesday. The document outlines a series of commitments made by both countries, signaling a potential shift toward de-escalation after years of tension and military confrontation.

The agreement includes a commitment from both the United States and Iran to immediately halt all military activities across all fronts, including in Lebanon. This would mean that neither side nor their allies would initiate any further warfare or use force against each other. Additionally, both nations pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in one another’s internal affairs. The framework also sets a deadline for finalizing a comprehensive agreement within 60 days, which can be extended with mutual consent.

Under the terms of the agreement, the United States committed to lifting its naval blockade against Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf immediately following the signing of the framework. The restoration of full shipping capacity is expected to occur within 30 days. Furthermore, the U.S. pledged to withdraw its troops from areas surrounding Iran within 30 days after the conclusion of the final agreement. In return, Iran agreed to take immediate steps to ensure the safe and free passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz in both directions, aiming to restore pre-war levels of traffic within 30 days. This includes removing technical and military obstacles and clearing mines, as well as engaging in dialogue with Oman regarding future management and maritime services in the strait.

The agreement also includes provisions for economic cooperation. The United States has committed to working with regional partners to develop a plan worth at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran. A mechanism for implementing this plan will be established as part of the final agreement within 60 days. The U.S. also pledged to lift all existing sanctions against Iran, including those imposed under UN Security Council resolutions and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). These sanctions include unilateral measures taken by the U.S. against Tehran. The timeline for lifting these sanctions will be included in the final agreement.

Both sides reaffirmed Iran's commitment to not developing nuclear weapons. They agreed that questions related to enriched uranium and other atomic-related issues, including Iran’s nuclear needs, will be addressed appropriately in the final agreement. Until then, both parties agree to maintain the status quo—Iran maintaining its current nuclear program and the U.S. refraining from imposing new sanctions or increasing troop presence in the region.

Following the signing of the framework agreement, the U.S. Treasury Department will issue exemptions for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives. These exemptions will extend to associated services such as banking transfers, insurance, and transportation. During negotiations for the final agreement, the U.S. will unfreeze or release restricted assets belonging to Iran, making them fully accessible for use by the Central Bank of Iran.

Both nations also agreed to establish a monitoring mechanism to oversee the implementation and future compliance with the final agreement. Discussions about a definitive agreement will commence once the implementation of certain articles begins and continues, based on assurances received after the signing of the framework agreement.

In a separate development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. This decision comes amid the broader geopolitical landscape shaped by the newly announced U.S.-Iran agreement. While the agreement aims to bring stability to the Middle East, it raises complex questions about how regional powers, particularly Israel, will respond to changes in the strategic balance of power. The situation remains fluid, with many stakeholders still assessing the implications of the proposed framework agreement.