US-Iran Draft Proposal Outlines Nuclear Concessions and Reopening of Strait of Hormuz

A preliminary framework reportedly prepared for negotiations between the United States and Iran proposes transferring Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile to a mutually agreed third country or reducing its enrichment level. The proposal also calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding, Al Arabiya English reported.

According to Al Arabiya English, which obtained details of the draft's key provisions, China could potentially serve as a guarantor to support the implementation and long-term sustainability of any agreement.

The proposed framework also suggests holding direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha rather than Istanbul.

Under the arrangement, Iran would take steps concerning its nuclear programme and maritime security, while the United States would respond by easing sanctions, blockades and other economic restrictions.

An independent verification mechanism would monitor compliance before each stage of implementation. This would ensure that neither side makes major concessions without receiving corresponding commitments that can be independently verified.

The draft also outlines a dispute-resolution process involving mediators and guarantor countries. The mechanism is intended to address delays or possible violations and reduce the risk of a fresh military escalation, according to the news platform.

Meanwhile, IRNA reported that a Qatari delegation had arrived in Tehran to support efforts to restore a ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The team, led by a senior adviser to Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister and working in coordination with Washington, landed on Friday morning for consultations.

A letter from US Vice President JD Vance to Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei was also reportedly delivered through the Qatari envoys. Tehran was said to have welcomed the communication, which proposed a renewed diplomatic route to prevent further US military strikes.

The draft framework has emerged as US President Donald Trump maintains that Washington is under no pressure to bring its conflict with Iran to an immediate end. He has described the hostilities as "not a typical war" and argued that time is on the American side, despite months of fighting and repeated diplomatic efforts that have yet to produce a lasting settlement.

Trump has also claimed that Tehran remains interested in negotiations with Washington but is facing serious domestic difficulties. He specifically referred to reports that Iran is struggling to pay military personnel and law enforcement 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.

The US President also played down the financial burden of the military campaign, claiming that Washington's spending on the conflict has been relatively limited.

"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.

Trump did not provide figures or supporting details for his claim that the expenditure had been recovered through activities involving Venezuela.

His assertion that Washington has sufficient time to pursue diplomacy comes despite repeated references to the possibility of further military action against Iran.

Earlier, Trump suggested that the United States could launch "another little Epic Fury", referring to the initial military operation against Tehran. On other occasions, he indicated that a "big and good" agreement could still be reached.

His latest comments reflect the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the confrontation. While Trump has suggested that Iran is interested in reaching an agreement, Washington and Tehran remain divided over key issues, including Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions and the US blockade of Iranian ports.

Diplomatic efforts gathered pace on Friday when Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a G20 ministerial meeting hosted in the United States.

According to Turkey's official Anadolu Agency, the discussions covered ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, wider regional developments and bilateral relations.

The meeting followed a telephone conversation between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Trump several days earlier. During the call, Ankara highlighted its concerns about maritime routes and expressed support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions.

Turkey has joined other regional countries in engaging with US officials to explore possible ways forward. However, Trump's position that Washington has time to continue its approach, alongside continued warnings of possible military escalation, highlights how uncertain and fragile the prospects for a diplomatic breakthrough remain.