Pakistani sources say the US and Iran are close to reaching a ceasefire memorandum of understanding, aiming to restart one month of negotiations.
``` The United States and Iran are close to reaching a one-page ceasefire memorandum of understanding, aiming to end the current military conflict and set a framework for restarting detailed one-month nuclear negotiations. According to CCTV News, U.S. sources indicate that a Pakistani source said on the 6th that the U.S. and Iran are close to reaching a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war. On the same day, it was revealed that two U.S. officials and two other sources said that the Trump administration believes a one-page memorandum of understanding with Iran is close to being reached. This memorandum aims to end the war and set a framework for more detailed nuclear negotiations. According to CCTV News, Trump stated that U.S. operations in Iran are "proceeding very smoothly" and said that Iran "wants to reach a deal and wants to negotiate." He emphasized that the United States will not allow Iran to have nuclear weapons and will continue to promote an agreement "satisfactory to the United States." Trump also emphasized that blockades and negotiations will proceed in parallel. The prospect of a ceasefire quickly eased market concerns over disruption to the energy supply chain. On Wednesday, the global benchmark Brent crude oil price fell to $101.27 per barrel, while stock markets overall rose as investors reassessed the possibility of a breakthrough in negotiations. A One-Page Memorandum Framework Emerges; Iran Delivers Response Via Pakistan According to sources cited by the media, the U.S.-proposed memorandum framework includes two core elements: first, gradually reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the blockade; second, lifting sanctions on Iran while requiring Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment program. All terms are reversible — if subsequent broader nuclear talks break down, the relevant conditions can be withdrawn. Iran is expected to deliver its response to the U.S. via Pakistan—the mediator in this case—within the next two days. CCTV News quoted a Pakistani source as saying that both the U.S. and Iran are close to reaching this memorandum of understanding. However, Iranian state media have signaled that some elements of the U.S. proposal are "too harsh and unrealistic," and disagreements remain in the negotiations. Trump said he has not set a deadline for reaching an agreement, but predicted that an agreement "will eventually be achieved," and declared, "We have won this war." Energy Crisis and Political Pressure Drive Trump to Seek an Exit Behind Trump’s push to seek a negotiated exit are soaring energy prices and plummeting poll numbers. Data from the American Automobile Association show that U.S. retail gasoline prices have surpassed $4.50 per gallon, the first time since July 2022. With only six months left before the midterm elections, the price issue has become a core topic for voters. Previously, the Trump administration briefly launched a plan to provide a secure passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz but then suspended it; the proposal for the one-page memorandum was introduced after the shelving of that plan. In his speech, Trump characterized the current conflict as "small-scale," said the U.S. "is making very smooth progress," and stressed that the blockade on Iran is "extremely powerful," with Iran "almost unable to conduct any activities in or out." Israel’s Concerns and Military Readiness The prospect of a U.S.-Iran deal has raised alarms in Israel. According to CCTV News, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Trump administration officials that day for updates on the negotiations. The U.S. side clearly assured Israel that the Trump administration would adhere to its established "red line," i.e., the primary goal is to remove nuclear materials from Iran. Nevertheless, the Netanyahu government pledged to continue pressuring Iran until its regime collapses or its nuclear program and proxy forces are completely eliminated. Sources said Netanyahu has ordered the Israeli military to prepare for all contingencies, including resuming military action if necessary. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market has risks, and investments must be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account the particular investment objectives, financial condition, or needs of individual users. Users should consider whether any opinion, viewpoint, or conclusion in this article is suitable for their specific circumstances. Investing accordingly is at your own risk. ```