Pakistan Says Final U.S.-Iran Deal Text Reached as Abbas Araghchi Targets Days

Pakistan said a “final, agreed upon text” of a U.S.-Iran deal has been reached, while Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said the memorandum of understanding could be announced within the next 1 or 2 days or within the next few days.

NBC News reported that Iranian officials said “final stages” of internal deliberations were underway, with sources telling NBC News that the final missing piece is a sign-off from the country’s Supreme Leader.

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CNN reported that a signed memorandum of understanding would trigger 60 more days of “technical” negotiations on implementation and remaining issues, and that the agreement would include a resolution for the conflict of Lebanon “and all other fronts.”

CNN also said U.S. President Donald Trump lashed out at Iranian state media reports that differed from U.S. descriptions of the potential terms, adding uncertainty to the state of talks.

In the same NBC News live updates, a U.S. official said two Iranian drones were shot down last night, as Iranian media reported its military had stopped a tanker from passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Araghchi told Iranian state television that Iran will maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz and said, “Our sword will remain poised over the Strait of Hormuz indefinitely, and whenever necessary, Iran’s armed forces will intervene.”

CNN reported that under the agreement the waterway would not return to how it operated before the war, and that the regime would not charge tolls but “service fees” for transiting the strait.

Al-Mutadawwal Al-Arabi

CBS News said Araghchi told Iranian state TV that both sides were working toward signing an initial agreement declaring an end to the war “on all fronts, including Lebanon,” and that terms dealing with Iran’s nuclear program would be finalized in the 60 days after the initial agreement is signed.

Fox News reported that U.S. Central Command said it redirected 139 compliant commercial vessels and disabled nine non-compliant vessels since the blockade against Iran began on April 13, while the blockade remained in effect.

Fox News also quoted retired Brig. Gen. John Teichert saying, “I think it's okay to be both hopeful and skeptical here, because we are dealing with Iran,” as he argued sanctions relief should be tied to Iranian actions rather than promises.

NBC News said details regarding Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions would be finalized in the next stage of formal negotiations, and Araghchi described a 60-day negotiation period for that second phase.

CNN reported that a senior U.S. administration official outlined points including a complete reopening of the strait and lifting of a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports along the strait, while also saying the agreement would lead to the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and that the United States would obtain Iran’s enriched material.

CBS News said Araghchi argued Iran wants a deal that allows Tehran to charge ships “for services rendered” when they transit the Strait of Hormuz, and that “There will be costs involved,” Araghchi said, “and those costs must be paid.”

Fox News said U.S. officials have outlined that no sanctions relief or release of frozen assets would occur until Iran fulfills its obligations under any final deal, and it quoted Teichert arguing the United States should retain the ability to respond forcefully if Iran backtracks.

Hespress reported a senior U.S. administration official saying, “With regard to the War Powers Act, the hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have ended,” while also stating there had been no exchange of fire between U.S. armed forces and Iran since the fragile ceasefire began more than three weeks ago.