U.S., Iran Negotiating One-Page Memorandum on Ceasefire and Nuclear Framework, U.S. Officials Say

By Barak Ravid

*Published: 2026-05-06*

WASHINGTON — Four sources, including two U.S. officials, described ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran for a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their military conflict and establishing a framework for future nuclear discussions. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity as the talks remain confidential.

The conflict, which began in late February 2026 after Iran imposed restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, escalated with U.S. strikes under Operation Epic Fury on February 28. U.S.-Iran talks have failed in multiple rounds since 2025, including discussions in Islamabad in April 2026 where disagreements over the duration of an Iranian uranium enrichment moratorium — with the U.S. seeking 20 years and Iran proposing five — proved a key obstacle.

The U.S. officials and two other sources briefed on the matter expect Iranian responses on several points within the next 48 hours. No agreement has been finalized, the sources said, though they described the current stage as the closest the parties have come to a deal since the conflict started nearly three months ago.

Key provisions under discussion, according to the sources, include Iran's commitment to a moratorium on uranium enrichment, the U.S. agreement to lift sanctions and release billions in frozen Iranian funds, and mutual lifting of restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Many terms would depend on reaching a final agreement, potentially leaving open the risk of resumed hostilities or a prolonged stalemate if talks fail.

U.S. officials have voiced optimism during prior negotiation rounds dating back to 2025 and amid the current conflict, but no deal has materialized. The sources noted internal divisions within Iran's leadership, which could complicate consensus among factions. Some U.S. officials expressed skepticism about securing even an initial memorandum.

The two U.S. officials said President Trump's recent decision to pause a planned operation in the Strait of Hormuz and maintain a fragile ceasefire aligned with reported progress in the talks.

Negotiations for the 14-point memorandum involve U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner engaging Iranian officials directly and via mediators, the sources said. The document, in its current draft, would declare an end to the regional war and initiate a 30-day period for detailed talks on reopening the strait, limiting Iran's nuclear activities, and easing U.S. sanctions. Potential venues include Islamabad or Geneva, according to two sources.

A U.S. official said Iran's restrictions on strait shipping and the U.S. naval presence would lift gradually over the 30 days. If talks collapse, the official added, U.S. forces could reinstate the blockade or resume operations.

Specific terms under negotiation include the moratorium's length on uranium enrichment. Three sources indicated at least 12 years, with one suggesting 15 years as probable; these figures remain unconfirmed by public statements from either side. Iran has proposed five years, while the U.S. has sought 20, per prior talks and these sources.

The U.S. is pushing for a clause extending the moratorium if Iran violates enrichment limits, one source said. Post-moratorium, Iran could enrich uranium to 3.67%, a low level. Iran would commit not to pursue nuclear weapons or related activities, and discussions include a clause barring operation of underground nuclear facilities, according to a U.S. official. Iran would also agree to enhanced UN inspections, including unannounced visits.

In return, the U.S. would gradually lift sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds worldwide, the U.S. official said.

Two sources claimed Iran might agree to remove its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a U.S. priority previously rejected by Tehran — potentially transferring it to the U.S. These details lack independent verification.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio commented Tuesday on the complexity, stating, "we don't have to have the actual agreement written in one day." He described the issues as "highly complex and technical," emphasizing the need for clarity on negotiation topics and initial concessions. Rubio also referred to some Iranian leaders as "insane in the brain" and questioned their willingness to deal, according to the unverified report.

No Iranian officials have publicly confirmed the reported progress or terms, highlighting the U.S.-centric nature of the available information. Past rounds, such as April's Islamabad talks, similarly featured unfulfilled optimism from U.S. sources.

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