from AZADEH AKBAR in Tehran, Iran
Special contributor
TEHRAN, (CAJ News) – THE United States and Iran have reached a framework agreement aimed at ending months of conflict, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough between the two adversaries in years.
However, major issues remain unresolved and will be the subject of further negotiations over the next 60 days.
Under the preliminary accord, both sides have agreed to halt hostilities, reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz and begin detailed discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions and broader regional security concerns.
The United States is also expected to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of the confidence-building measures.
Iran entered the talks with several key demands.
These included sanctions relief, access to billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, guarantees against future military action, respect for Iranian sovereignty and economic assistance to help rebuild damage caused during the conflict.
Draft proposals circulating in the media have also referred to a possible reconstruction programme valued at up to US$300 billion, although funding mechanisms and final commitments remain unclear.
There is no confirmed agreement that Washington will directly provide Iran with US$300 billion in cash.
For its part, Washington has sought assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons and will engage in international oversight of its nuclear activities.
The future of uranium enrichment, missile programmes and wider sanctions remains under negotiation.
Many analysts view the agreement as a diplomatic achievement for Tehran, which emerged from the conflict without accepting demands for regime change and while preserving its negotiating position on key national interests.
The agreement also comes against a backdrop of continuing regional tensions.
Israel has indicated it intends to maintain military operations and positions in parts of Lebanon and Syria, despite objections from Iran and concerns that such actions could complicate efforts to achieve broader regional stability.
Whether the framework evolves into a comprehensive peace settlement will depend on the success of the next round of negotiations.
– CAJ News