Iran TV Leaks Draft US Deal to Reopen Hormuz
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- Iran's state TV disclosed it had obtained a draft framework for a US-Iran MoU to end their conflict, calling for the restoration of Strait of Hormuz commercial shipping to pre-war levels within one month.
- Under the draft, the United States would withdraw military forces from Iran's vicinity and lift its naval blockade, with the framework explicitly excluding military vessels from the reopening.
- Iran would manage commercial ship traffic through the strait in cooperation with Oman, and Tehran stated it would take no steps without "tangible verification."
- If a final agreement is reached within 60 days, the deal could be approved as a binding UN Security Council resolution.
- The MoU stems from indirect talks launched after the February war between Iran and Israel, with Pakistan serving as the central mediator between Tehran and Washington.
- The war that precipitated the talks featured missile and drone exchanges that disrupted Gulf shipping and drew in US military involvement, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
Why it matters: The draft would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf shipping chokepoint disrupted since the February war, and end the US naval blockade — a significant de-escalation if finalized. Tehran's demand for "tangible verification" before acting and the 60-day window for a binding UN Security Council resolution leave the timeline fragile, while Pakistan's central mediating role marks a notable indirect channel between Washington and Tehran.
