Iran has said it will not sign a final peace agreement with the United States to end the months-long conflict unless its key conditions are met, despite reports that both sides are close to reaching a preliminary deal.
Speaking to Iran’s state broadcaster, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the text of a memorandum of understanding had been finalised and could be signed digitally in the coming days.
However, Iranian officials maintained that Tehran would not endorse a permanent agreement unless the United States lifts its naval blockade and releases billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.
Iran said that the removal of hostile measures and guarantees regarding its financial and sovereign rights remain essential conditions for any final accord.
Meanwhile, the US administration and Pakistani mediators involved in the back-channel negotiations in Islamabad confirmed that both sides had agreed on a draft text. Washington, however, said that any lasting diplomatic settlement would depend on the implementation of commitments by all parties.