• Iran says the US has committed to ending all sanctions within a defined timetable under a final nuclear agreement.
  • The commitment is reportedly outlined in a memorandum of understanding, though details on sequencing and scope remain unclear.
  • No official US confirmation has been issued; experts caution that verification is needed.

Breakthrough or Bluff?

Iran announced on Thursday that the United States has agreed to lift all sanctions on the Islamic Republic according to a specific timetable embedded in a final accord, according to a text of a memorandum of understanding cited by Iranian officials. The claim, if accurate, would represent a major concession by Washington in the ongoing nuclear negotiations.

The purported MOU states that sanctions relief will be phased in over an agreed period after the final agreement's terms are approved, with all US measures eliminated by the end of the timeline. Iran's foreign ministry described the commitment as a binding framework, though it did not release the full text. “This is a clear pledge that ends the economic war against our nation,” a senior Iranian negotiator said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

US officials have not confirmed the development. A State Department spokesperson declined to comment, saying only that “negotiations continue” and that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.” Analysts urge caution, noting that previous rounds have seen similar claims used as bargaining chips. “Without official US confirmation or a verified document, markets should treat this as a negotiating position rather than a done deal,” said a Washington-based sanctions expert.

The potential deal comes as global oil markets remain on edge. Iran's crude exports have slumped under US sanctions, but any credible path to relief could add supply. Benchmark Brent crude traded near $75 per barrel on Thursday, largely unchanged on the news.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timing of sanctions relief. The timetable begins after the final agreement is approved, not immediately.