US-Iran deal on horizon? Uranium transfer, Hormuz reopening in 7 days proposed

Iran-US draft proposes uranium transfer, Hormuz reopening within 7 days

NEW DELHI: A preliminary framework for negotiations between the United States and Iran proposes transferring Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country or reducing its enrichment levels, alongside reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding, Al Arabiya English reported on Saturday.The draft framework, which was obtained exclusively by the news platform, also identifies China as a potential guarantor to ensure the implementation and sustainability of any agreement. It proposes holding direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha instead of Istanbul.Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would undertake commitments on its nuclear programme and maritime security in exchange for US steps to ease sanctions, blockades and other economic restrictions.The framework also envisages an independent verification mechanism to assess compliance before each phase of implementation. This would ensure that neither side makes substantial concessions without corresponding and independently verifiable commitments from the other.A separate dispute-resolution mechanism involving mediators and guarantor countries has also been proposed to address delays or violations and prevent a fresh escalation of military tensions, according to Al Arabiya English.

Qatar steps up diplomatic outreach

Diplomatic efforts to revive a ceasefire between Washington and Tehran gathered pace on Friday, with a Qatari delegation arriving in the Iranian capital for consultations, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported.The delegation, led by a senior adviser to Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister, arrived on Friday morning and was coordinating its efforts with the United States.Meanwhile, a letter from US Vice President JD Vance to Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei was reportedly delivered by Qatari envoys.

The communication was welcomed in Tehran for proposing a fresh diplomatic pathway to prevent further American military strikes, according to reports.

Trump says US in no hurry to end war

The diplomatic developments come amid US President Donald Trump's assertion that Washington is in no hurry to end its conflict with Iran, describing the hostilities as "not a typical war".Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump claimed that Tehran remained interested in negotiations but was facing domestic financial difficulties, including an inability to pay military personnel and law enforcement officers.“There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking,” Trump told reporters.“But look, they're not paying their soldiers, they're not paying their police. They're in a lot of trouble. And we have time, frankly. It's a war, but it's not a typical war; we've been there for seven months,” he added.Trump also played down the financial burden of the military campaign, claiming that Washington's expenditure on the conflict was relatively low and had been offset by gains elsewhere.“We're spending very little money, relatively speaking. I heard somebody say, you're spending money. I said, well, any money we spent, we've more than made up for in a place called Venezuela, like by 10 times...” he said.However, he did not provide figures to substantiate his claim about recovering the cost of the military campaign through Venezuela.Despite expressing confidence that the US had time on its side, Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility of renewed military action against Iran.

He previously referred to the prospect of launching “another little Epic Fury”, a reference to the initial US military operation against Tehran, while also suggesting that a “big and good” agreement could still be reached.

Turkey also engages Washington

Parallel diplomatic efforts continued as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a G20 ministerial gathering in the United States on Friday.According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, the discussions covered the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, regional developments and bilateral relations.The meeting followed a telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump earlier in the week. During the call, Ankara conveyed its concerns over maritime routes and expressed support for diplomatic initiatives to reduce regional tensions.The proposed framework comes amid continuing differences between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions and the US blockade of Iranian ports. Whether the latest diplomatic efforts can translate into a lasting agreement remains uncertain.