A preliminary framework for a possible agreement between the United States and Iran proposes transferring Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country or lowering its enrichment level. The proposal also calls for the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding between the two sides, Al Arabiya English reported. According to Al Arabiya English, which obtained details of the draft framework, China could potentially serve as a guarantor to ensure that both countries honour their commitments and maintain the agreement. The proposal also suggests holding direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha rather than Istanbul. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would agree to take measures concerning its nuclear programme and maritime security. In return, the United States would ease sanctions, lift blockades and remove other economic restrictions. The framework aims to establish a series of reciprocal steps that could help reduce tensions and create conditions for a broader diplomatic settlement.

Draft Agreement Proposes Transfer of Iran's Enriched Uranium

One of the central elements of the proposed framework concerns Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium. The draft suggests two possible options: transferring the material to another country or reducing its enrichment level. Both measures would address international concerns over Iran's nuclear activities. The proposal also links progress on the nuclear issue with maritime security, particularly the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international shipping route. Under the reported timeline, the waterway would reopen to international commercial shipping within seven days after an initial understanding is reached.

China Could Act as Guarantor of US-Iran Agreement

The draft framework reportedly considers giving China a role as a potential guarantor of the agreement. Beijing could help ensure that both Washington and Tehran fulfil their obligations and that the proposed arrangement remains in effect. The framework also calls for an independent verification system to monitor compliance before each stage of the agreement moves forward. This mechanism would ensure that neither country makes significant concessions without receiving corresponding and independently verified commitments from the other side.

Proposed Mechanism to Resolve Disputes and Prevent Escalation

The proposal also includes a dispute-resolution arrangement involving mediators and guarantor countries. The mechanism would address disagreements, delays or violations during the implementation of the agreement. It would also provide a diplomatic channel to resolve disputes and prevent tensions from escalating into another military confrontation. Such safeguards are intended to build confidence between the two countries and reduce the possibility of the agreement collapsing because of disagreements over implementation.

Qatar Sends Delegation to Tehran to Revive US-Iran Ceasefire

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions continued on Friday, with a Qatari delegation arriving in Tehran to discuss restoring a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Iran's state news agency IRNA reported that the delegation arrived in the Iranian capital on Friday morning. The team was led by a senior adviser to Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister. It was also coordinating with Washington as part of efforts to advance diplomatic discussions. The visit came amid growing attempts by regional countries to prevent further escalation and establish a new diplomatic framework between Washington and Tehran.

JD Vance's Letter Reportedly Delivered to Iranian Official

The Qatari delegation also reportedly delivered a letter from US Vice President JD Vance to Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei. According to reports, the communication proposed a fresh diplomatic approach to prevent further US military strikes against Iran. Tehran reportedly welcomed the letter, raising hopes that indirect diplomatic contacts could help create a pathway towards negotiations. However, several major disagreements remain unresolved, particularly over Iran's nuclear programme, economic sanctions and the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump Says Washington Is in No Hurry to End War

The diplomatic developments come as US President Donald Trump continues to maintain that Washington is not under pressure to end its conflict with Iran. Describing the confrontation as "not a typical war", Trump has argued that the United States has sufficient time to pursue its objectives despite months of fighting and repeated attempts to secure a lasting settlement. He has also claimed that Tehran wants to negotiate with Washington but is facing serious internal financial difficulties, including problems paying military personnel and police officers. “There are talks. They want to talk. They keep talking,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “But look, they're not paying their soldiers, they're not paying their police. They're in a lot of trouble. And we have time, frankly. It's a war, but it's not a typical war; we've been there for seven months,” he added. Trump's remarks suggest that his administration believes economic and military pressure could strengthen Washington's position in negotiations.

Trump Claims US Has Recovered Military Spending Through Venezuela

The US president also played down the financial burden of the military campaign against Iran. He claimed that Washington had spent relatively little on the conflict and had recovered its expenditure through developments involving Venezuela. “We're spending very little money, relatively speaking. I heard somebody say, you're spending money. I said, well, any money we spent, we've more than made up for in a place called Venezuela, like by 10 times...” he remarked. However, Trump did not provide any figures or supporting details to explain how the United States had recovered the military expenses through Venezuela.

Trump Keeps Possibility of Further Military Action Open

Despite the reported diplomatic progress, uncertainty continues over the future of the conflict. Trump has repeatedly suggested that Iran is interested in reaching an agreement. However, Washington and Tehran remain divided over several critical issues, including nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief and maritime security. The US president has also kept the possibility of additional military operations open. He previously warned that Washington could launch “another little Epic Fury”, referring to the initial US military operation against Iran. At other times, he has suggested that a “big and good” agreement could still be reached. These contrasting statements highlight the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations, as diplomatic contacts continue alongside warnings of possible military escalation.

Turkey Intensifies Diplomatic Efforts Between Washington and Tehran

Turkey has also stepped up its diplomatic engagement as regional countries explore ways to resolve the conflict. On Friday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a G20 ministerial meeting hosted by the United States. According to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency, the discussions covered the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, developments across the region and bilateral relations between Turkey and the United States. The meeting formed part of Ankara's broader diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and prevent further instability in the region.

Erdogan Discusses Maritime Security and Regional Tensions With Trump

The Turkish-American meeting followed a telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump earlier in the week. During the discussion, Ankara expressed concerns over maritime routes and supported diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions. Turkey has joined several other regional countries in engaging with Washington to explore possible solutions to the conflict. However, Trump's statements about having sufficient time to continue the confrontation, combined with his repeated warnings about possible military action, indicate that a diplomatic breakthrough remains uncertain. With discussions involving the United States, Iran, Qatar, China and Turkey continuing, the proposed framework could provide a possible starting point for negotiations. However, its success will depend on whether Washington and Tehran can agree on nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief, maritime security and a mechanism to ensure that both sides fulfil their commitments.