The United States plans to lift sanctions on Iran simultaneously with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, while efforts to clear mines from the strategic waterway will be addressed at a later stage,
according to a US official cited by Fox News.
The reported remarks come amid indications from Washington and regional leaders that the United States and Iran are moving closer to a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict and restoring maritime traffic through one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
According to Fox News and details emerging from ongoing negotiations, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is expected to be a key component of the proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Reuters reported that a US official said Iran would be required to reopen the strait as part of the arrangement, with the United States expected to ease its naval blockade in conjunction with that move.
“It’s going to happen in conjunction, and part of the next step, the phase after that, is going to be the demining of the straits,” the US official told reporters, according to Reuters.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route and has been at the centre of tensions during the conflict.
The proposed agreement would seek to restore navigation through the waterway while addressing security concerns related to mines and maritime access.
DEAL COULD BE SIGNED SOON
US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have both suggested that a framework agreement could be signed shortly.
According to the Associated Press, Trump on Saturday said the deal was “scheduled to get signed tomorrow (Sunday),” while Sharif stated that an agreement intended to end the conflict in the Middle East was closer than ever and could be finalised within 24 hours.
Sharif said preparations were underway for an electronic signing of the agreement, followed by technical-level discussions next week.
However, Iran has appeared more cautious regarding the timeline.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said that no signing would take place on Sunday, though he indicated that an agreement could still be reached “in the coming days,” according to Reuters.
SANCTIONS RELIEF AND FROZEN ASSETS PART OF DISCUSSIONS
In addition to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions relief is expected to form a significant part of the emerging agreement.
Reuters reported that draft terms under discussion include the release of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and waivers on sanctions affecting Iranian oil exports.
Three regional officials cited by the Associated Press also said the deal was expected to include phased sanctions relief alongside the release of frozen Iranian funds.
While reopening Hormuz appears to be the immediate priority, negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme are expected to continue after the framework agreement is signed.
According to the Associated Press, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said terms relating to Iran’s nuclear programme would be finalised during a 60-day period following the initial agreement, with the possibility of extending discussions if necessary.
A senior US administration official cited by AP said that the post-agreement period would be used to work out technical details regarding the destruction or removal of Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile.
