Iran Submits Multiple Drafts as US Pushes for Interim Peace Deal Timeline

Iran has presented competing versions of a proposed interim agreement with the United States, even as President Donald Trump maintained a Sunday timeline for signing a deal.

At least three different texts were circulated, all including similar elements such as the reopening of the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway, sanctions relief for Iran, and the initiation of longer-term negotiations concerning its nuclear program.

However, the versions diverge in key aspects, particularly regarding the amount of financial relief Iran would receive immediately or in the future. A version cited by Bloomberg News suggested a program for Iran's reconstruction and economic development with a minimum funding of $300 billion, to be implemented if a final deal is reached. In contrast, Reuters, citing an unidentified Iranian official, reported a draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that included the U.S. allowing the release of $25 billion in frozen assets. Furthermore, Iran’s semi-official Mehr news agency stated that any final negotiations would not commence until half of Iran’s frozen funds are released, oil sanctions are suspended, and a naval blockade is lifted.

The White House declined to comment on the details as the deadline approached. On Sunday afternoon, Fox News cited President Trump as saying a deal would be signed within two to three hours. Earlier the same day, the prospect of a signing appeared to diminish after Israel’s military conducted strikes in the Lebanese capital, stating it was targeting Hezbollah following the Iranian-backed group’s firing of projectiles into northern Israel. President Trump subsequently posted on social media, urging Israel to cease its attacks on Lebanon, stating, “We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down.”

The competing drafts have exacerbated confusion surrounding the prospects for a deal to end fighting that began with U.S. and Israeli missile attacks against Iran on February 28. This conflict has reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties, destabilized the Middle East, and caused oil prices to spike. While Trump had previously claimed the two sides were close to a deal, similar statements this time from Iranian officials and Pakistani mediators lent credence to the possibility of an agreement. Iran, however, reportedly did not favor the symbolism of signing the deal on Trump’s 80th birthday.

A senior U.S. official stated on Friday that an agreement would involve reopening the Strait of Hormuz and moving the U.S. and Iran into negotiations on larger issues related to the country’s nuclear program, involving a sequence of steps.

According to Fortune, the Trump administration has been challenged by its eagerness to end the war while being unwilling to agree to Iranian demands—such as sanctions relief, the release of frozen funds, and a promise not to attack again—which some domestic critics argue would signify a major victory for Tehran.