U.S. and Iran Near One-Page Memo to End War, Sources Confirm

The White House believes it is nearing an agreement with Iran on a one-page memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations, according to two U.S. officials and two other sources briefed on the issue.

The big picture: The U.S. expects Iranian responses on several key points within the next 48 hours. While nothing has been finalized, sources indicate this is the closest the parties have been to an agreement since the conflict began.

Among the proposed provisions in the MOU:

• Iran commits to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment.
• The U.S. agrees to lift sanctions and release billions in frozen Iranian funds.
• Both sides lift restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

Many terms in the memo would be contingent on a final agreement, leaving open the possibility of renewed conflict or an extended limbo where hostilities cease but no resolution is achieved.

Reality check: The White House acknowledges divisions within Iran’s leadership, making consensus difficult. Some U.S. officials remain skeptical that even an initial deal will be reached.

U.S. officials have expressed optimism about a deal at multiple points during previous negotiation rounds and throughout the current war, yet no agreement has materialized to date.

However, two U.S. officials noted that President Trump’s decision to back away from a newly announced operation in the Strait of Hormuz—avoiding a collapse of the fragile ceasefire—was based on progress in the talks.

Behind the Scenes: The One-Page MOU

The 14-point MOU is being negotiated between Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and several Iranian officials, both directly and through mediators. In its current form, the MOU would:

• Declare an end to the war in the region.
• Initiate a 30-day period of negotiations on a detailed agreement to:
• Open the Strait of Hormuz.
• Limit Iran’s nuclear program.
• Lift U.S. sanctions.
• Negotiations could take place in Islamabad or Geneva, according to two sources.

During the 30-day period, Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the strait and the U.S. naval blockade would be gradually lifted, a U.S. official said.

If negotiations collapse, U.S. forces would be able to restore the blockade or resume military action, the official added.

Key Negotiation Points

The duration of the moratorium on uranium enrichment is a major point of contention. Three sources indicate the moratorium would last at least 12 years, with one suggesting 15 years as a likely compromise. Iran proposed a 5-year moratorium, while the U.S. demanded 20 years.

The U.S. seeks to include a provision where any Iranian violation on enrichment would extend the moratorium. After it expires, Iran would be permitted to enrich uranium to a low level of 3.67%.

Iran would commit in the MOU to never seek a nuclear weapon or conduct weaponization-related activities. A U.S. official said the parties are discussing a clause whereby Iran would also commit not to operate underground nuclear facilities.