US agrees to lift naval blockade in draft deal, says Iran state TV

Iranian state television reported on Wednesday that a draft framework agreement with the United States includes a pledge to lift the naval blockade on Iran, restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, and for the United States to withdraw its forces from the Gulf region.

Tehran and Washington have recently exchanged proposals aimed at ending the conflict that began on February 28 and has affected the Middle East, while a fragile ceasefire has been in force since April 8.

The report referred to a draft outline of a potential memorandum of understanding, noting that the text had not yet been finalized.

Since April 13, Iran has maintained strict control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, while the United States has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports and coastlines.

“The United States has committed itself to lifting Iran’s naval blockade and to cease harassing ships passing to or from the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the state TV report said.

In return, the draft states that Iran would allow commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to resume as it did before the war within one month.

The draft also indicates that Iran would continue to manage shipping lanes, inspect vessels, and impose service fees on ships—measures that have only been implemented since the war.

Iran’s commitments would not apply to military vessels, and Tehran had not agreed “to unconditionally reopen the strait,” the report added.

Regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region, the draft says Washington has given “a commitment to the Islamic Republic of Iran regarding this issue.”

It remains unclear whether the commitment refers only to forces deployed before and during the war or also includes existing U.S. military bases in the Gulf.

After agreeing on the framework, Tehran and Washington would enter a 60‑day negotiation period, the draft said, without specifying the issues to be discussed.

“If negotiations reach a final agreement during the 60‑day period, this agreement is expected to be approved by a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council,” it added.

AFP

The post US commits to ending naval blockade in draft deal – Iran state TV appeared first on Vanguard News.