US and Iran Reach Final Draft of Agreement, Iranian Media Reports
Diplomatic breakthrough follows intense indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan; official announcement expected imminently amid cautious optimism and deep mistrust
TEHRAN / WASHINGTON — Iran and the United States have reached a final draft agreement to end their months-long war, Iranian media reported on Thursday, marking a potential diplomatic breakthrough after weeks of intense indirect negotiations mediated by Pakistan .
According to reports from Iranian state-affiliated news agencies, the two sides have completed work on a framework agreement that would establish an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, lift the US naval blockade on Iranian ports, and begin a phased process of sanctions relief .
The announcement, if confirmed, would represent the most significant diplomatic achievement since the war erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran [citation:previous coverage]. A fragile ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, but multiple rounds of talks in Islamabad have failed to produce a lasting agreement until now .
The Draft Agreement: What Iranian Media Reports
According to Iranian media reports, the final draft includes the following key provisions:
| Provision | Details |
|---|---|
| Immediate ceasefire | Comprehensive cessation of hostilities between US and Iranian forces |
| Blockade termination | End to US naval blockade on Iranian ports, imposed April 13 |
| Sanctions relief | Phased lifting of economic sanctions on Iran |
| Asset release | Unfreezing of Iranian assets held abroad (estimated over $100 billion) |
| Freedom of navigation | Guarantees for shipping in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz |
| Joint monitoring mechanism | Framework to ensure implementation and regional stability |
| Follow-on negotiations | Additional talks to begin within 7 days of agreement taking effect |
Source: Iranian media reports via ISNA and Al Arabiya
The draft reportedly does not resolve all outstanding issues. A follow-on negotiation track will address remaining disagreements, including the status of Iran’s nuclear program, the future of its uranium enrichment activities, and comprehensive sanctions relief .
Progress in Indirect Talks
The reported breakthrough follows days of intensive diplomatic activity. According to Iran’s ISNA News Agency, the two sides have been exchanging messages and draft texts in an effort to establish a formal framework for an agreement . The talks remain indirect, reflecting persistent mistrust between the two countries, with Pakistani officials shuttling proposals between Washington and Tehran .
A senior Iranian official told Al Jazeera that negotiators were “very close” to reaching an understanding, though another Iranian source cautioned that it was “still too early to determine whether a final agreement is within reach” .
Pakistani mediators have been central to the process. According to Al Arabiya, Pakistan’s army chief is expected to visit Tehran in the coming days, with the final round of negotiations scheduled to take place after the Hajj season in Islamabad .
US Officials Cautious, Hopeful
US officials have struck a cautiously optimistic tone regarding the negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters on Thursday that there were “some good signs” emerging from the Pakistan delegation’s visit to Tehran, though he noted that the Iranian system remains “fractured” and that any tolling system in the Strait of Hormuz would be “unacceptable, illegal and make a diplomatic deal with Tehran unfeasible” .
The New York Times reported that messages and draft texts are being exchanged between Washington and Tehran, with discussions focused on building a framework for a possible deal . However, the Times cautioned that major differences remain unresolved, including disputes over uranium enrichment, sanctions, and security guarantees .
The Sticking Points: Nuclear Program and Enriched Uranium
Despite the reported progress, deep disagreements remain — particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
One of the biggest sticking points is Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, estimated at approximately 400 kilograms — enough for roughly ten nuclear warheads . The United States has demanded that Iran transfer this material abroad, with one option reportedly being shipment to the United States .
Iran, however, has hardened its position on this issue. Tehran is reportedly unwilling to send near-weapons-grade uranium abroad — a key demand pushed by the US . Iranian officials have described such proposals as “American wish lists” rather than realistic negotiating positions .
President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned that the US will not accept Iran retaining enriched uranium capable of supporting weapons development. “We will get it… we’re not going to let them have it,” Trump said in recent remarks .
The duration of any uranium enrichment moratorium remains another point of contention. Axios reported that the US is seeking a moratorium of at least 12 years, while Iran has previously proposed a shorter timeframe .
Iran’s Demands: Sanctions, Assets, and Blockade
For its part, Iran has submitted a 14-point proposal that demands:
- An end to the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon
- The lifting of all economic sanctions
- The release of frozen assets (estimated at over $100 billion)
- War reparations for damage caused by US-Israeli strikes
- An end to the US naval blockade on Iranian ports
- Recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz
According to Iranian media reports, the US has responded with a five-point proposal that includes demands that Iran keep only one nuclear site in operation, transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States, and accept a long-term suspension of enrichment activities [citation:previous coverage].
A US official previously told Axios that the sides “keep changing their goalposts,” with a Pakistani source warning that “we don’t have much time” [citation:previous coverage].
Market Reaction: Relief and Uncertainty
Markets have reacted positively to the news of a potential breakthrough. Oil prices, which have been volatile throughout the conflict, eased on the positive signals. Brent crude fell to as low as $110.16 per barrel following reports of progress in the talks [citation:previous coverage].
However, analysts caution that until a final agreement is officially confirmed and implemented, market uncertainty will persist. “Investors are keen to gauge whether Washington and Tehran can actually find common ground,” Toshitaka Tazawa, an analyst at Fujitomi Securities, told Reuters [citation:previous coverage].
Skepticism Remains: No Official Confirmation
Despite the optimism in some quarters, no official confirmation has been issued by Washington, Tehran, or Islamabad regarding the reported final draft .
A fact check by Hindustan Times noted that the report of a finalized agreement originates from Al Arabiya citing unnamed sources, not from official Iranian state media confirming a final draft. Iranian outlets like ISNA have reported the claim without confirmation of any final draft or imminent announcement .
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that talks are progressing, but no deal has been reached yet . Tehran’s Anadolu news agency reported that Pakistan’s interior minister is set to visit Tehran in the coming days for peace talks — not to announce a completed agreement .
The View from Tehran: Deep Mistrust
Iranian officials remain deeply suspicious of US intentions. According to Reuters and other reports, senior figures in Tehran fear the current pause in hostilities could be used by Washington to regroup before resuming military operations .
Iran’s top negotiator has said that recent “obvious and hidden moves by the enemy” suggest the US may be preparing future attacks, underlining the lack of trust shaping the talks .
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Tehran would only accept “a fair and comprehensive agreement,” while pledging to protect Iran’s “legitimate rights and interests” .
What Comes Next
If the reported final draft is confirmed, the coming days would likely see:
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| Official announcement | Potentially within hours, according to some reports |
| Implementation of ceasefire | Immediate upon announcement |
| Phased sanctions relief | To begin following Iranian compliance |
| Asset release process | Phased over time, potentially starting with 25% |
| Follow-on negotiations | To commence within 7 days, addressing nuclear program |
However, if the reports prove premature or if final approval is delayed, the fragile ceasefire — already described as being on “life support” — could collapse, potentially leading to renewed military action.
President Trump has previously warned that the window for diplomacy could shut down quickly. “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them,” Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this week [citation:previous coverage].
He also made clear that the US military remains prepared for a “full, large-scale assault” if an acceptable deal is not reached [citation:previous coverage].
The Broader Context: A War of Attrition
The reported breakthrough comes after nearly three months of conflict. The war began on February 28 with US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US allies in the Gulf, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while also effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz to normal commercial shipping.
The human toll has been severe. Iran has reported thousands of civilian casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure. The UAE has intercepted 2,845 Iranian projectiles during the conflict. Global energy markets have been disrupted, with oil prices spiking and supply chains strained.
A diplomatic resolution, if achieved, would represent a major victory for the Pakistani mediation effort — and a significant achievement for the Trump administration, which has faced domestic pressure over rising energy prices and the cost of the military campaign .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Has a final agreement between the US and Iran actually been reached?
A: Iranian media outlets have reported that a final draft agreement has been completed, but no official confirmation has been issued by Washington, Tehran, or Islamabad. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that talks are progressing, but no deal has been reached yet .
Q2: What are the key terms of the reported agreement?
A: According to Iranian media reports, the draft includes an immediate ceasefire, termination of the US naval blockade, phased sanctions relief, release of frozen Iranian assets, freedom of navigation guarantees in the Strait of Hormuz, a joint monitoring mechanism, and follow-on negotiations within seven days .
Q3: What are the main sticking points remaining?
A: The nuclear program remains the most contentious issue. The US demands that Iran transfer its stockpile of highly enriched uranium (approximately 400kg) abroad and accept a long-term moratorium on enrichment activities. Iran has reportedly hardened its position and is unwilling to send near-weapons-grade uranium abroad .
Q4: Who is mediating between the US and Iran?
A: Pakistan has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran. The two sides have exchanged multiple proposals through Pakistani channels and held one round of direct talks in Islamabad on April 11-12 [citation:previous coverage].
Q5: How has the market reacted to the news?
A: Oil prices have eased on positive signals from the talks, with Brent crude falling to approximately $110 per barrel. However, analysts caution that markets remain volatile until a final agreement is officially confirmed [citation:previous coverage].
Q6: What has President Trump said about a potential deal?
A: Trump has indicated that he is open to a diplomatic resolution but has warned that the window is limited. He has stated that if Iran does not agree to terms, the US military remains prepared for a “full, large-scale assault.” Trump has also insisted that Iran must transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to the United States .
Q7: What does Iran want from a deal?
A: Iran’s 14-point proposal demands an end to the war, lifting of all sanctions, release of frozen assets (over $100 billion), war reparations, an end to the US naval blockade, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Nuclear issues would be addressed in later negotiation rounds [citation:previous coverage].
Q8: When could an official announcement be expected?
A: Some reports suggest an announcement could come within hours, though this remains unconfirmed. Pakistan’s army chief is expected to visit Tehran in the coming days, and the final round of negotiations is reportedly scheduled to take place after the Hajj season in Islamabad .
This is a developing story. Reflecto News will continue to provide updates on US-Iran negotiations, official confirmation of any agreement, and the status of the ceasefire as new information becomes available.