The US and Iran are close to a deal, but Israel says, "We knew nothing; we were ready for escalation."
A response from Tehran is expected in the next few hours, with mediators optimistic: "We're one step closer." The agreement includes, among other things, an end to the war and the complete unblocking of Hormuz.(Handle)
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The United States and Iran are reportedly close to agreeing on a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and establish a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations.
But Israel knew nothing about it, on the contrary: "We were preparing for an escalation," a Tel Aviv official told army radio, quoted by the Times of Israel.
According to Axios, the US expects Tehran to provide answers on some key points of the agreement within the next 48 hours.
The agreement would include Iran's commitment to a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, the US's commitment to lifting sanctions and releasing millions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds, and the lifting of restrictions on transit through the Strait of Hormuz by both sides .
This is, Axios reports, citing two US officials and two other sources familiar with the matter, the closest the two sides have come to an agreement since the conflict began. This morning, Donald Trump suspended Project Freedom , the mission (so far unsuccessful) aimed at escorting ships stranded in Hormuz, citing significant progress in negotiations.
" Assuming Iran agrees to deliver as agreed , which is perhaps a bold assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will come to an end and the effective Blockade will allow the Strait of Hormuz to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran," US President Donald Trump wrote in Truth. If Iran "does not accept" the agreement, "the bombing will begin, which unfortunately will be of a much greater level and intensity than before," he added.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the mediator in the conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, is "confident that the current dynamics will result in a lasting agreement that ensures peace and stability for the region and beyond." Another Pakistani source involved in the peace efforts also said: "We are almost there, we will close the issue very soon."
But a statement from Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has calmed tensions: "The US proposal is still under consideration, we are examining it and once we reach a conclusion we will communicate our point of view to the Pakistani side."
(Unioneonline/L)