Tehran (Web Desk): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said that a draft agreement with the United States (US) will be formally announced after both sides complete the remaining stages of negotiations, adding that the initial signing process will be carried out electronically.
In an interview with state television, Araghchi explained that the two parties would sign the document remotely before making the agreement public.
"As soon as the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced. The signing will initially take place digitally. Each side will sign remotely. After that, it will be announced that this memorandum of understanding has been signed by both parties," said Araghchi. "This could happen in the coming days. I am very hopeful."
Earlier, the Iranian foreign minister had stated that the proposed framework, referred to as the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," which is intended to bring an end to the conflict between Iran and the United States that began on February 28, was closer to completion than ever before.
His comments followed remarks by US President Donald Trump on Thursday, who said he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran and suggested that an agreement to end the war could soon be reached.
During the interview, Araghchi said he would disclose the contents of the framework only after it had been fully finalized, warning that discussing its details beforehand could risk undermining the process.
He noted that the draft accord includes provisions for lifting the US naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports since April 13, along with measures concerning the future administration of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The crucial shipping corridor has remained under Iranian control since fighting involving the United States and Israel erupted on February 28. Since then, Tehran has allowed only limited maritime traffic through the waterway and has required vessels to obtain approval from its armed forces before passing through.
"The naval blockade must be completely lifted. That is the first point mentioned in the agreement," Araghchi said.
He further stated that Iran had decided the governance of the Strait of Hormuz would not return to its previous arrangement, adding that consultations on the matter were continuing with Oman.
"Iran has made a firm decision that the administration of Strait of Hormuz will no longer be the same as before," he noted, adding that discussions were ongoing with Oman on the matter.
Araghchi described the strait as one of Iran's key deterrence tools and confirmed that issues related to Tehran's nuclear programme, including its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — a longstanding point of disagreement with Washington — would be addressed during a 60-day period following the signing of the framework.
"Our position has always been that the only way to deal with the stockpile of enriched material is to dilute it inside Iran," said Araghchi.
He also warned that certain parties could attempt to obstruct the prospective agreement, specifically pointing to Israel as a major opponent of the initiative.
"I must frankly say that this agreement has enemies, the foremost of which is the Zionist regime, who are looking for pretexts to derail it," he said.