Iranian Media Claims Draft Deal Gives Tehran Hormuz Control; White House Dismisses Report as 'Completely Fabricated'

Iranian media reports, citing an unofficial preliminary draft of an alleged memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Tehran and Washington, have revealed key details concerning the redefinition of traffic and transit rules in the Strait of Hormuz. According to these reports, Iran would serve as the exclusive authority for determining the nature of passing vessels, and any ship whose cargo is deemed a threat or whose beneficiary is hostile to Iran would not be recognized as a commercial vessel. The reports also indicated that the determination of navigation routes, costs of navigational services, and provision of security in the Strait would fall within Iran's jurisdiction, in cooperation with Oman. Regarding the financial aspect, the alleged draft included a significant clause concerning the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets. The purported text pledged that Washington would provide Iran, within 60 days, with full access to $12 billion of its assets, with the possibility of transferring and spending these resources in banks designated by Iran without any restrictions. The reports also suggested that the United States would commit to withdrawing its military forces from areas surrounding Iran (excluding forces stationed in bases, which would require negotiation) and lifting the naval blockade imposed on Tehran. In return, Iran would commit to restoring the number of commercial vessels transiting within one month to pre-tension levels, excluding military vessels. If a final agreement is reached within 60 days, it would be adopted under a binding resolution by the UN Security Council. In contrast, the White House strongly refuted these reports, describing the referenced memorandum as "incorrect" and "completely fabricated." A White House spokesperson clarified that negotiations regarding Iran "are proceeding well," emphasizing that the U.S. President has set clear red lines on the matter. This development comes amidst increasing speculation about the possibility of reaching an agreement framework between Tehran and Washington to end regional tensions, with ongoing Pakistani mediation efforts and Qatar's involvement in the mediation process. The discussions have faced setbacks on fundamental issues Tehran considers crucial, such as halting regional tensions related to Lebanon and the mechanism for releasing frozen Iranian funds, with the nuclear file to be discussed at later stages.