World

Draft US‑Iran Framework Calls for Uranium Transfer and Hormuz Reopening

By Ayush Pandey

A preliminary framework for talks between the United States and Iran proposes that Tehran transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country or reduce its enrichment levels, and that the Strait of Hormuz be reopened to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding. The draft, obtained exclusively by Al Arabiya English, names China as a potential guarantor to ensure implementation and sustainability of any agreement. It also suggests holding direct negotiations in Doha instead of Istanbul and calls for Iran to make commitments on its nuclear programme and maritime security in exchange for U.S. steps to ease sanctions, blockades and other economic restrictions. An independent verification mechanism would assess compliance before each implementation phase, while a separate dispute‑resolution mechanism involving mediators and guarantor countries would address delays or violations and prevent a new escalation of military tensions.

Diplomatic efforts to revive a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran have intensified. A Qatari delegation, led by a senior adviser to Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, arrived in Tehran on Friday for consultations coordinated with the United States. A letter from U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance to Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei was reportedly delivered by Qatari envoys, and the communication was welcomed in Tehran for proposing a fresh diplomatic pathway to prevent further American military strikes.

U.S. President Donald Trump said in the Oval Office that Washington is not in a hurry to end its conflict with Iran, describing the hostilities as “not a typical war.” He noted that Tehran is interested in negotiations but faces domestic financial difficulties, including an inability to pay military personnel and law enforcement officers. Trump also downplayed the financial burden of the military campaign, claiming that U.S. expenditure was relatively low and had been offset by gains elsewhere, though he did not provide figures.

Parallel diplomatic efforts continued as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a G20 ministerial gathering in the United States. The meeting covered ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, regional developments and bilateral relations. The discussions followed a telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Trump earlier in the week, during which Ankara expressed concerns over maritime routes and support for diplomatic initiatives to reduce regional tensions.

The proposed framework comes amid continuing differences between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. Whether the latest diplomatic efforts can translate into a lasting agreement remains uncertain.