US official: Deal will be signed in coming days, but not today; Iran prepared to ‘dispose’ of enriched uranium

A senior US official just briefed reporters that an agreement with Iran “will be signed in the coming days,” though not today, and that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has approved the broad framework of the agreement, Israel’s Channel 12 news reports.

Still, nothing is done until it’s done, the official reportedly clarifies, and there is still wording that each side wants to work on. The official is evidently referring to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) discussed by US President Trump yesterday.

The official says the Iranians gave assurances — verbal and in writing — that any subsequent permanent deal will include the “disposal” of all enriched uranium, higher and lower levels. They did not specify how the stockpiles would be disposed of.

The Iranians also agreed that they will suspend enrichment for a period to be negotiated, the TV report says.

“Without the uranium [being taken care of], there’ll be no dollars [for Iran],” the US officials is quoted as saying.

The MoU itself provides, first, for a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire, the TV report says. The Strait of Hormuz will be reopened and Iran will remove the mines it has deployed in the strait in recent months. The US, for its part, will gradually remove its blockade of Iran’s ports. During the 60 days, Iran will be free to sell oil, and the US will lift some sanctions. If Iran implements various other steps, the US will unfreeze billions of dollars of Iranian assets held overseas. During the 60 days of negotiations, limitations on Iran’s nuclear program will be discussed.