President Trump has intensified the terms for a potential framework aimed at ending the conflict in Iran. He has forwarded these proposed changes for Iran’s review, according to three officials.
The exact modifications to the agreement’s text remain undisclosed. However, officials report that Trump has expressed concern over provisions that would allow the release of frozen Iranian funds. He has previously criticized former President Barack Obama for including similar terms in an earlier agreement formed over a decade ago to limit Iran’s nuclear activities.
Frustration over Iran’s slow response to U.S. offers has also been an issue for Trump. The proposals have been developed with assistance from intermediaries, including representatives from Pakistan. An official noted that Trump’s tougher stance is possibly aimed at expediting negotiations by pressuring Iran to accept the existing framework. This framework has been sent to Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, for approval.
Efforts to contact the supreme leader for approval have faced challenges. Thus, any amendments to the memorandum of understanding could lead to further delays. Recently, Trump held a two-hour meeting with top aides in the Situation Room to discuss strategies for ending the war. However, no formal announcements emerged from this gathering.
The proposed framework suggests ending the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran. In exchange, Iran would lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is vital for oil and gas transportation and was accessible for trade before hostilities began on February 28.
Some complicated topics, such as the future status of Iran’s nuclear program, are set to be addressed in subsequent discussions.
Reporting by Aaron Boxerman and Farnaz Fassihi. White House coverage by Luke Broadwater and Tyler Pager. Reporting from Tel Aviv by Ronen Bergman.
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