Iran offers 30-day timeline to restore Hormuz shipping under US framework deal

Iran has committed to immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring prewar levels of maritime traffic within 30 days if a framework agreement with the United States is signed, according to a report by The Washington Post citing diplomats familiar with the negotiations.

According to the report, the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz would be set out in a memorandum of understanding to be prepared by the parties. Following that, the US and its allies would announce an immediate halt to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

The framework agreement also includes Iran’s commitment never to develop nuclear weapons. Under the draft arrangement, Tehran would be required to destroy all of its stockpiles of enriched uranium.

A senior official in US President Donald Trump’s administration said the memorandum of understanding would “obligate” Iran to halt activities related to developing nuclear weapons. The official added that this also included “abandoning nuclear fuel”.

The mechanism for implementing any agreement between Tehran and Washington is expected to be discussed by the parties over the next two months.

Axios previously reported that the agreement envisages a 60-day ceasefire. According to the report, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen during that period and Tehran would be able to sell oil freely.

Axios also reported that the parties would hold talks on placing limits on Iran’s nuclear program.

Under the arrangement, Washington would lift the blockade on Iranian ports in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and would provide certain sanctions waivers allowing Tehran to continue oil sales.

Trump previously said Tehran and Washington had begun discussions on the final stages and technical details of the agreement. However, less than a day later, he urged against rushing the deal.

A regional source cited by Fox News on May 24 also said US forces would remain near Iran over the next 30 days.

According to the source, the move is intended to demonstrate that the military option remains on the table if the nuclear compromise fails or any interim agreement is violated.

Trump said on May 19 that US attacks against Iran had been suspended for two or three days at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

“Two or three days. We’re not talking about a very long period,” Trump said.