The United States anticipates finalizing a preliminary agreement with Iran within the coming days, according to a senior administration official. The official cautioned, however, that the deal remains incomplete.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official indicated a significant increase in confidence regarding the negotiations throughout Friday, estimating the likelihood of a deal from approximately 75 percent in the morning to "more like 80, 85 percent" by the afternoon.
Despite the optimism, the official stressed that a definitive signing date and location have yet to be confirmed. Iran's internal decision-making process was described as "very complicated," and while the parties are "very close," they have "not quite at the finish line yet."
The proposed agreement, characterized as a memorandum of understanding, is viewed by the Trump administration as a diplomatic achievement. It primarily establishes a 60-day cease-fire, paving the way for more complex negotiations concerning sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program, which could extend for months or longer.
According to the U.S. official's description, the initial agreement would facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. The administration's objective is for this preliminary accord to lead Iran to commit to dismantling its nuclear program, transferring its enriched uranium to the United States for destruction and removal, and establishing a body to oversee compliance.
