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TEHRAN — According to Iranian state television, a draft agreement with the United States reportedly contained a promise to end the naval embargo on Iran, restore shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and remove U.S. military forces from the Gulf area, although the White House quickly denied these claims.
Tehran and Washington have been exchanging suggestions in recent days to conclude the conflict, which began on February 28 and spread across the Middle East, as a tenuous truce has been in effect since April 8.
The report referenced what it called a preliminary version of a possible agreement, but noted that the content had “not yet been finalized”.
Iran maintains strict control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy route, while the United States has enforced a naval embargo on Iranian ports and coastal areas since April 13.
“The United States has pledged to remove Iran’s naval blockade and stop interfering with vessels traveling to or from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” stated the state television report.
However, Washington criticized the report, labeling it as untrue.
“This statement from media under Iranian control is false, and the MOU they ‘released’ is entirely made up. No one should trust what Iranian state media is reporting. FACTS MATTER,” the White House stated on X, criticizing U.S. media for sharing the allegations.
As per the draft, in exchange for the US action, Iran would permit commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz freely within a month, as was the case prior to the conflict.
The proposal indicates that Iran would remain in charge of maritime routes, conduct inspections of ships, and charge fees for services, actions that have only occurred since the conflict began.
Iran’s obligations would not cover military ships, and it had not consented “to unconditionally reopen the strait,” it stated.
With the departure of American forces from the area, the draft mentioned that Washington had made “a promise to the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning this matter”.
State TV stated that it was still uncertain whether the commitment applied solely to forces stationed before and during the conflict, or if it also covered existing American military installations in the Gulf.
After reaching an agreement on the framework, Tehran and Washington would begin a 60-day negotiation phase, according to the draft, without detailing the topics to be addressed.
“If a final agreement is reached through negotiations within the 60-day timeframe, it is anticipated that this agreement will be endorsed via a binding resolution from the United Nations Security Council,” it further stated.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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