US-Iran nuclear deal framework ‘95% there’ as talks continue on Strait of Hormuz and uranium stockpiles | Today’s news
Officials involved in talks between the United States and Iran said on Sunday (May 24th) that a framework agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program is “95% complete”, although key details regarding the country’s nuclear stockpile and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved.
According to officials who spoke to Fox News, negotiators are currently focused on fine-tuning the wording of the agreement rather than debating the underlying principles.
“We’re not going to roll over. We’re not there yet on an agreement. We’re not going to sign an agreement today or tomorrow,” one of the officials said.
The official added that President Donald Trump believes more time may be needed to complete the framework.
“The president’s instinct is to give them 5, 6, 7 days to reach a deal.”
The “No Dust, No Dollars” strategy drives conversations
Officials have confirmed that the talks follow what they described as a “no dust, no dollars” policy – a strategy aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while limiting economic concessions unless tough measures are met.
“Iran has agreed in principle to this framework and we are 95 percent there.”
The source said negotiators had already reached broad agreement on two main sticking points, according to reports:
-Management of Iran’s nuclear stockpile
-Safety and operational guarantees regarding the Strait of Hormuz
However, discussions continue on the exact wording that will appear in the final memorandum.
“We have an agreement on nuclear stockpiles and the Strait of Hormuz, but we are negotiating.
The White House emphasizes the economic and security benefits
Administration officials have argued that the deal could provide both economic relief and regional stability if successfully completed. “We have an opportunity to make a deal that will reduce costs for the Americans while ensuring that the Iranians don’t get a nuclear weapon.”
At the same time, officials stressed that military options remain on the table should negotiations collapse.
“We’re not going to make a bad deal, that’s for sure. We have the option and we can resume military strikes if no deal is reached.”
Trump says negotiators should not rush
Trump on Saturday described the emerging deal as a “memorandum of understanding” that was “largely negotiated.”
On Sunday, officials said the president had instructed negotiators not to rush the process despite reported progress. “Time is on our side,” Trump reportedly told negotiators.
The administration appears intent on securing a final deal that satisfies both security hawks and economic stakeholders while avoiding another protracted confrontation in the Middle East.
The importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime hubs, with a significant proportion of global oil supplies passing through the narrow waterways every day. Any deal on the strait is likely to have major implications for global energy markets and regional security.
Read also | Despite Trump’s claims of progress, no US-Iran deal expected today: Report
