Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on 12/6 that a memorandum of understanding with the US could be signed "in the next few days," emphasizing that the two sides have never been closer to a deal. He stated that the agreement, once its final stages of negotiations are completed, would be signed and announced, with an initial digital process involving remote signing by each party.

Araghchi expressed "great hope" for this outcome but cautioned against revealing details immediately, stating it would "jeopardize the plan to sign the agreement." He confirmed that the draft includes a clause for the "complete termination" of the US blockade on Iranian seaports, in effect since 13/4. "That is the first point mentioned in the document," he said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Lebanon on 9/1. *Photo: Reuters*

Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi stated that "Iran has made a definitive decision that the management of the strait will no longer be as it was before," adding that discussions with Oman are ongoing. He emphasized the strait is one of Iran's "main deterrent tools." The foreign minister also confirmed that issues concerning Iran's nuclear program, including its highly enriched uranium stockpile, will be discussed by both sides within 60 days after signing the preliminary framework agreement. "The only way to address the enriched uranium stockpile is to dilute it within Iran itself. That has always been our position," he said.

Location of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. *Graphic: Guardian*

Araghchi also warned against efforts to undermine the potential agreement, particularly from Israel. He noted that changes could still occur, but the preliminary agreement shows Iran has emerged stronger after the conflict. "Iran is the winner in the conflict with the US," he said. In a social media post on the same day, Araghchi reiterated that the two sides had never been closer to an agreement to end the conflict, adding that the document would be named the "Islamabad Memorandum," referring to the capital of the mediating nation, Pakistan.

However, the path to a deal was not without friction. President Trump, on the same day, criticized Iran for providing "incorrect information" about the agreed terms. "What they are saying, including their weak and pathetic statements about reaching an agreement, is not true. These people are very dishonest in their dealings. With them, there is no good faith negotiation," he wrote on Truth Social. Despite his criticism, the US leader later shared a screenshot of the Iranian foreign minister's post, commenting that "the two sides have never been closer to a deal."

Screenshot of Abbas Araghchi's post shared by President Trump on Truth Social on 12/6. *Photo: Truth Social/Donald Trump*

Adding to the optimism, a senior US official expressed confidence that the parties are nearing an agreement. "If I had to talk about the possibility of signing this agreement, this morning I would say 75%, now perhaps around 80-85%, but not yet 100%," the official told AFP. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced that the final text of the peace agreement has been agreed upon by the parties, stating, "Peace has never been closer than it is now."

Thanh Tam (AFP, Reuters)