Axios: Exclusive: Trump’s deal terms

Posted on May 24, 2026 by michelleclarke2015
Exclusive: Trump’s deal terms
 
Photo illustration of President Donald Trump in a collage featuring a mural of Iran's slain supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, supporters of the Houthi movement brandishing their weapons, the Strait of Hormuz, and radar and clock elements
Photo illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios. Photos via Getty Images
 
Axios’ Barak Ravid reports that the agreement the U.S. and Iran are close to signing involves a 60-day ceasefire extension during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. Iran would freely sell oil, and negotiations would be held on curbing its nuclear program.

Why it matters: The deal would avoid war escalation and would decrease pressure on the global oil supply. It’s unclear whether it’d lead to a lasting peace agreement that also addresses President Trump’s nuclear demands.

State of play: Both Trump and the mediators have indicated the deal could be announced as soon as today, though it hasn’t been finalized and could still fall apart.

A U.S. official provided a detailed outline of the draft. Those details haven’t been confirmed by the Iranian side, though Tehran has also indicated a deal is getting close.What’s in the deal

Both sides would sign a memorandum of understanding lasting 60 days, extendable by mutual consent.

During the 60-day period, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen with no tolls, and Iran would clear its mines in the strait.

In exchange, the U.S. would lift its blockade on Iranian ports and issue some sanctions waivers to allow Iran to sell oil freely.The U.S. official acknowledged that would be a boon to Iran’s economy but said it would also give significant relief to the global oil market. The official said Trump’s key principle in the agreement is “relief for performance.” 

The draft MOU includes commitments from Iran to never pursue nuclear weapons and to negotiate over a suspension of its uranium enrichment and the removal of its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, the U.S. official said.

Iran gave the U.S., through the mediators, verbal commitments on the scope of concessions it’s willing to make on suspending enrichment and giving up nuclear material, according to two knowledgeable sources.

U.S. forces would stay in the region during the 60-day period and only withdraw if a final deal is reached.

Some of Iran’s frozen funds could be released if it hits certain milestones, but none would be freed upfront, a U.S. official says. No sanctions would be permanently lifted before a final deal is reached.

The intrigue: The draft MOU also makes clear that the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon would end.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern about that condition during a phone call with Trump yesterday, an Israeli official said.How it happened

Trump sounded out several Arab and Muslim leaders about the deal in a conference call yesterday, and all said they support it, three sources familiar with the call said.

They included the UAE’s hawkish president, Mohammed bin Zayed. Also on the call were the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey and Pakistan, all of which have been involved in the mediation efforts.

Several hawkish Republicans, including Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), released statements opposing the terms. Get the latest.
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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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