What to Know About the Proposed US-Iran Deal to End the War

By Mahima Katal

The United States and Iran have reached an interim agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, though significant details remain unresolved.

The agreement is expected to be signed in Switzerland on Friday. However, officials caution that previous announcements of a breakthrough failed to result in a finalized deal, and both sides continue to disagree on key provisions.

The conflict, launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, severely disrupted oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf and heightened fears of a wider regional war. Although a ceasefire has been in place since April 7, tensions escalated again last week when Iran exchanged fire with US and Israeli forces.

Nuclear Program at the Center of Talks

A major component of the proposed agreement involves Iran's nuclear program. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the details would be negotiated during a 60-day period following the signing of the interim accord, with the possibility of extending discussions if needed.

The United States and Israel argue that Iran's nuclear activities could eventually lead to the development of nuclear weapons, a key justification cited for military action. Iran maintains that its nuclear program is peaceful.

According to a senior US administration official, the agreement would initiate efforts to remove or destroy Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Tehran, however, has rejected that characterization and insists it intends to retain its uranium reserves.

The official said technical discussions during the 60-day implementation period would focus on how the uranium issue would be resolved. No details have been provided on who would oversee the process.

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz

The agreement is also expected to address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.

US officials say provisions related to maritime traffic are included in the deal. Araghchi stated that Iran seeks recognition of its right to charge vessels for services provided during transit through the strait.

During the conflict, Iran imposed fees on passing ships, a move criticized by the United States and other countries as contrary to international law. Disruptions in the waterway have contributed to rising global energy prices and increased costs for essential goods.

Sanctions Relief for Iran

Regional officials familiar with the negotiations say the agreement is expected to include a phased easing of sanctions on Iran as well as the release of frozen Iranian assets.

The officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the ongoing negotiations.

Questions Remain Over Lebanon

The future of Lebanon remains one of the most uncertain aspects of the proposed deal.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both sides had agreed to an immediate and permanent halt to military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon. However, it remains unclear whether Israel has formally accepted such a commitment.

Iran has repeatedly demanded that any comprehensive agreement include a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel continues to confront the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israel reserves the right to take independent action against Iran and does not intend to withdraw from territories it currently controls in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, or parts of the occupied West Bank.

As negotiations continue, the success of the agreement will depend on whether the parties can bridge differences over Iran's nuclear stockpile, sanctions relief, maritime security, and regional conflicts.