The White House on Wednesday threw cold water on what appeared to be the most detailed public account yet of US-Iran negotiations, calling an Iranian state television report about a draft ceasefire deal a "complete fabrication" even as both sides are widely understood to be inching toward some kind of framework agreement.
Iran's state television had claimed that a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) under discussion envisages the withdrawal of US military forces from areas around Iran and the lifting of the naval blockade. In return, Tehran has reportedly agreed to restore commercial transit through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within a month, though military vessels would remain outside the scope of any such arrangement.
Also read: US forces to withdraw from Iran's vicinity, lift naval blockade, says state media citing draft deal
"This report from Iranian controlled media is not true and the MOU they 'released' is a complete fabrication. Nobody should believe what Iranian state media is putting out. FACTS MATTER," the White House posted on X, also taking a swipe at US media outlets that ran the Iranian claims.
The report cited a draft outline of the MOU that included a significant proposed arrangement: Iran and Oman would jointly oversee shipping routes and traffic management through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway that handles nearly a fifth of global oil and LNG flows. If finalised within 60 days, the agreement would reportedly be submitted for approval as a binding UN Security Council resolution.
Iran's state television also said the so-called "Islamabad memorandum framework" is not yet finalised and that Tehran would not take any step without "tangible verification."
Also read: Iran would open Strait of Hormuz 30 days after peace deal
The broader backdrop: various recent reports have indicated that negotiators from both sides were working on a 14-point understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening shipping lanes, a framework that reportedly spans sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and Iran's right to resume oil exports.
Tehran had earlier floated proposals to permit safe commercial passage through Omani waters if Washington agreed to de-escalation measures.
Till now, despite signs of progress, several contentious issues have remained unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme and the future role of US military assets in the region.
