US-Iran Deal Leak Reveals Plan To Unfreeze Assets, Lift Sanctions And Invest $300 Billion

The United States and Iran are preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that could pave the way for a broader diplomatic breakthrough. A leaked 14-point framework agreement reveals commitments on sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, regional security, and future negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme.

The draft, published by Saudi Arabia's Al Arabiya network, is expected to be formally signed in Geneva on June 19 by senior officials from both countries. The agreement lays down a roadmap for a final settlement to be negotiated within the next 60 days.

Ceasefire Commitments and Regional De-escalation

One of the central provisions of the proposed agreement calls for an "immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and undertake that from now on they will not launch any hostile action against each other."

Although Washington and Tehran announced a ceasefire on April 8 following 40 days of military confrontation, tensions have continued in Lebanon. Israel maintains military positions in parts of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has vowed to continue resistance against what it describes as Israeli occupation.

The framework also commits both countries to "respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs".

The language is significant given previous comments by US President Donald Trump, who had earlier encouraged political change inside Iran after the conflict began on February 28. However, following the announcement of the MoU, Trump stated that he does not support regime change in Tehran.

Sanctions Relief and Hormuz Shipping Restoration

The leaked text indicates that the United States would ease sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports, petrochemical products, banking activities, and related services during the negotiation period.

As part of the confidence-building measures, Washington would immediately lift the naval blockade, while Iran would work to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within 30 days.

The document notes that this process would proceed while "taking into account the need for the removal of technical obstacles and the neutralization of mines by Iran".

Trump has publicly stated that ships passing through the strategic waterway would not face toll charges. Iranian officials have clarified that while no toll would be imposed, vessels may still be required to pay fees related to environmental maintenance and maritime services.

The agreement further states that the United States would "withdraw its forces from the surrounding areas within 30 days after the final agreement", though it does not specify the geographical scope of those areas.

Nuclear Programme Remains Key Challenge

The future of Iran's nuclear programme remains one of the most sensitive issues in the negotiations.

According to the framework, "Iran reiterates that it will never produce nuclear weapons. Iran and the U.S. have agreed that the fate of enriched material and the fate of all other mutually agreed nuclear-related issues, including Iran's nuclear needs, will be adequately addressed in a final agreement; the final agreement will confirm the provisions of this Article."

Iran currently possesses significant quantities of highly enriched uranium and continues to argue that uranium enrichment is a sovereign right. The Trump administration, however, has consistently advocated for zero enrichment within Iranian territory.

Negotiators are expected to address these differences during the next phase of talks. The issue echoes the 2015 nuclear agreement reached under former US President Barack Obama, from which Trump withdrew the United States in 2018.

Frozen Assets and $300 Billion Reconstruction Vision

Perhaps the most consequential provisions concern Iran's access to frozen assets and future economic recovery.

Iranian officials have repeatedly sought the release of blocked funds abroad and compensation for damage caused during the recent conflict. While the Trump administration has publicly maintained that no direct cash payments would be made, the leaked document suggests a broader financial framework.

"The U.S. undertakes that, in light of the progress of negotiations towards a final agreement, frozen or restricted funds and assets of Iran will be released and made fully available," reads the 11th point. "The U.S. undertakes to issue all necessary permits and licenses on this basis."

The draft also outlines an ambitious reconstruction and development initiative. Under the proposal, the United States and regional partners would "create a comprehensive plan agreed upon by both parties for the rehabilitation and economic development of Iran, While ensuring financing of at least $300 billion. The implementation mechanism of this plan, as part of the final agreement, will be formulated within 60 days."

If negotiations succeed, the final agreement would be endorsed through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council, giving the deal international legal backing and potentially reshaping relations between Washington and Tehran after years of confrontation.