The emerging peace deal between the US and Iran will include the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program and allow the US to retrieve enriched nuclear material from Iran, according to a Reuters report citing a senior US official on Friday.
The deal, which will reportedly include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports, and US acquisition of enriched material, is an important step towards ensuring that Iran doesn't acquire a nuclear weapon, said the official. According to Reuters' report, he also stated that Iran is committing to never developing a nuclear weapon.
The text of the deal was agreed upon by the two countries, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced in a social media post on Friday.
The deal accomplishes the US's core objectives, said the official, who also claimed that it will guarantee "long-term peace in the region."
The official also reportedly stated that he is confident that Israeli leadership will get on board once they see the full terms of the agreement.
If Iran complies, he said, it will be rewarded economically, with benefits for Iran accruing if they "actually deliver." He clarified, however, that the Iranians won't receive anything for simply signing the agreement.
The agreed-upon text that is currently in place, with the help of Pakistani mediation, is one that both the US and Iran like, he said, adding that the US expects to sign the agreement over the next few days.
An estimated 60-day technical negotiation will likely follow, according to the US official, with Europe being discussed as the possible site for the negotiations.
Trump decries Iranian leak of false information regarding terms of deal
US President Donald Trump earlier on Friday accused Iran of leaking false information regarding the potential terms of the deal in a post on social media.
“The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing,” he asserted, adding that the leaked information “bears no relation to the truth.”
