Washington/Tehran — On the 68th day of the conflict, the United States has announced the conclusion of the intense military phase against Iran, while signaling significant advancements in diplomatic negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the aggressive military campaign has ended, though operations could resume if needed. This follows President Donald Trump’s decision to temporarily suspend strikes aimed at securing shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, citing meaningful progress toward an agreement with Tehran.
Iranian officials struck a more cautious tone. President Masoud Pezeshkian said the U.S. continues its policy of maximum pressure and that Iran will not accept unilateral demands. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Washington is reviewing Iran’s 14-point peace proposals.
Sources close to the White House say a one-page Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been drafted to formally end the war and establish a new framework for nuclear negotiations. U.S. officials claim the two sides are now closer to a deal than at any point since the conflict began.
According to the American news outlet Axios, the United States is awaiting Iran’s final response on several key issues within the next 48 hours. Although no agreement has been signed yet, senior Trump advisors Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have maintained direct and indirect contact with Iranian counterparts through mediators.
Key elements of the proposed understanding include:
- The war would officially end upon signing of the MOU.
- Comprehensive negotiations would begin within 30 days, to be held in either Islamabad or Geneva, focusing on sanctions relief and a long-term resolution of Iran’s nuclear program.
- During this 30-day interim period, Iran’s shipping restrictions and the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz would be gradually eased.
- On the nuclear issue, Iran is reportedly considering a halt to uranium enrichment for 12 to 15 years, while the U.S. is demanding a 20-year suspension.
The developments mark a potential turning point in the conflict, though both sides emphasize that major differences remain and any final deal is not yet assured.
