Will frozen assets and oil sanctions be eased? Final U.S.-Iran talks underway

[Financial News, New York = Reporter Lee Byung-chul] The United States and Iran are on the verge of reaching an initial agreement to end the war that has dragged on for more than three months. With both sides having effectively agreed on the wording of the deal, the United States said it expects to sign within days.
Reuters reported on the 12th, local time, citing a senior U.S. administration official, that the United States and Iran have effectively agreed on the text of a deal to end the war and are expected to sign an initial agreement within days.
Iran also acknowledged progress in the talks. A spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry said the key decision-making bodies are currently reviewing a memorandum of understanding for ending the war.
A U.S. government official said the agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. He said, "This agreement meets President Trump's key objectives," and added that the talks had entered "a very positive stage."
However, disputes over the leaked draft agreement continue. Western, Pakistani, and Iranian sources previously disclosed a proposal that included the release of frozen Iranian assets and easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports. President Donald Trump rejected the report, saying it had "nothing to do with the actual written agreement."
The leaked draft appears to reflect many of Iran's demands. It is reported to include a plan for the United States to begin releasing billions of dollars in frozen assets and to ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The nuclear issue may be moved to a separate negotiating table. According to multiple sources, discussions are underway to reach a final agreement on Iran's nuclear program through an additional 60 days of talks.
The U.S. side, however, says it is not backing away from the nuclear issue. A U.S. government official said the agreement would ultimately lead to the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program and would include the disposal or removal abroad of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. That has been one of Washington's core demands from the start of the talks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on X that "the memorandum of understanding for ending the war is closer than ever," and President Donald Trump shared the post, signaling progress in the talks.
Pakistan, which has served as a mediator for weeks, also said the final text of the agreement has been prepared. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, "Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to coordinate follow-up procedures," and added, "Peace has never been closer than it is now."




[email protected] Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter