• Iran's state media confirms a draft memorandum of understanding with the US is under internal review, with no formal acceptance yet.
  • Tehran is demanding concrete guarantees and amendments before finalizing, reflecting ongoing cautious negotiations.
  • The MoU's potential could impact energy markets and sanctions relief, but analysts warn a rapid breakthrough remains uncertain.

Iran's state news agency IRIB reported on Thursday that a proposed memorandum of understanding with the United States is currently under internal review by Iranian authorities, according to a statement attributed to a Foreign Ministry spokesperson. The report, cited by multiple domestic outlets including Mehr News, indicates Tehran has not yet signaled formal acceptance or rejection of the final text.

"The draft is being examined carefully, with emphasis on obtaining tangible benefits and enforceable guarantees," the spokesperson said, according to IRIB. The comments underscore deep-seated distrust between the two nations, as Iran seeks to avoid a repeat of past accords where it alleges US non-compliance.

The development follows weeks of back-and-forth negotiations, with Western and regional outlets reporting in late May that Iran planned amendments after the latest US response. A senior Iranian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Tasnim that "nothing is finalized until all our conditions are met." Attempts to reach the US State Department for comment were unsuccessful.

The talks are seen within the broader context of the JCPOA framework and regional security concerns. Iran is pushing for sequencing of sanctions relief and verifiable guarantees, while the US has indicated willingness to discuss sanctions easing, though official positions remain fluid. The situation remains sensitive to regional actors, including Gulf states and Israel, and could influence broader Middle East diplomacy.

Market participants are watching closely: any prospective MoU could affect energy markets, sanctions regimes, and risk premia tied to US-Iran tensions. Oil prices edged lower on Thursday amid cautious optimism, though traders remained wary of a protracted process. "Without a final, publicly disclosed text and formal sign-off, the odds of a rapid resolution are long," said one diplomatic analyst, noting that changes to draft language and new guarantees are likely as negotiations proceed.

Historically, Iran-US nuclear talks have been characterized by mutual distrust and incremental confidence-building. Tehran's insistence on guarantees and enforceable terms reflects lessons from the JCPOA experience. For now, both sides are expected to continue textual revisions, with no final signature until Iran publicly signals approval.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the IRIB report date. It was June 9, 2026.