US, Iran nearing one-page deal framework to end war: Axios

WASHINGTON: The United States and Iran are close to an initial one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war and laying the groundwork for broader nuclear negotiations, Axios reported on Wednesday, citing US officials and sources briefed on the talks.

The report said the White House believes progress has been made toward an outline agreement that would serve as a framework for more detailed negotiations, although no final deal has been reached.

According to Axios, the U.S. is expecting Iranian responses on key issues within the next 48 hours. It cautioned that the discussions remain incomplete, but described them as the closest both sides have come to an agreement since the conflict began.

The proposed framework would reportedly include Iran committing to a pause on uranium enrichment, while the U.S. would agree to lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

It would also involve both sides easing restrictions related to maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, the report said.

Reuters could not independently verify the report. The White House and U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.