After keeping the details under wraps for several days, senior U.S. officials on Wednesday briefed journalists on a proposed understanding with Iran, offering the clearest picture yet of Washington’s approach to easing tensions and advancing diplomatic engagement with Tehran.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to read the draft, which Iran has not released, ahead of a formal signing ceremony set for Friday.
According to the officials, the draft agreement includes a new "minimum” standard for downblending of highly enriched Iranian uranium and has provisions to ensure the "territorial integrity” of Lebanon after Israel’s latest attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanese territory.
In return, the U.S. will move to waive, but not eliminate, some wide-ranging sanctions against Iran once the deal is signed.
The U.S. draft of the agreement also secures toll-free passage of the Strait of Hormuz for only 60 days, and it does not preclude fees in future, the officials said.
