According to the Iranian media, a draft, based on which they are being held, has been reached, at a time when the crisis in is still causing serious turbulence in the global economy and energy markets. For its part, however, the White House, with a related announcement, commented on these revelations, arguing that they are false and completely “fabricated”.
What does the memorandum provide?
The draft of the memorandum of understanding in possession of Iranian state TV and other Iranian media and presented as “unofficial”, provides for the withdrawal of US military forces from the “broader area” of Iran, as well as the gradual lifting of the naval blockade in the area of the Strait of Hormuz. In return, Tehran pledges that within a month the passage of merchant ships will return to pre-war levels, while navigation in the strategic passage will be managed in cooperation with Oman.
It remains unclear, however, whether the American commitment covers all US forces in the Persian Gulf or only the forces that have been deployed specifically around Iran to conduct the war so far.
Iranian sources also say that the final deal could be finalized within the next 60 days and put to the UN Security Council for approval. So far, however, there is no official confirmation from either Washington or Tehran, while the Iranian side is asking for additional “guarantees” and control mechanisms.
The cabinet is of key importance
The above comes at a time when the American side proceeded about 24 hours ago with new strikes against Iran, targeting the port of Bandar Abbas, but also while the American president has convened an emergency cabinet at the White House later today, with the issue of Iran and the agreement expected to dominate the table.
It is also important that these developments come as the Revolutionary Guards announced earlier that 23 ships crossed the Straits of Hormuz in the last 24 hours with the coordination of the Iranian navy, while a day earlier they had announced the passage of another 25 ships. It is noted that before the war more than 130 ships passed through the Straits every day, while about 20% of the world’s energy supply passed through Hormuz.
