Washington/Tehran UNS- US President Donald Trump has submitted a revised and more stringent framework for a potential understanding with Iran, according to a report by The New York Times citing U.S. officials. The amendments were reportedly conveyed to Tehran through regional intermediaries, including Pakistan.
According to the report, the proposed framework seeks to end the current confrontation in exchange for restoring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. More complex and politically sensitive issues — most notably Iran’s nuclear program — would be deferred to subsequent rounds of negotiations.
Details of the Reported “Islamabad Understanding”
Iranian state television has meanwhile disclosed what it described as an unofficial draft of the so-called “Islamabad Understanding,” stressing that the document remains under negotiation and has not yet reached the stage of a finalized agreement.
According to Iranian media reports, the draft would grant Tehran extensive authority over maritime management in the Strait of Hormuz, including regulating shipping routes, imposing maritime service fees, supervising security and inspection procedures, and addressing environmental concerns arising from maritime traffic.
The reported framework would also require vessels transiting the waterway to provide detailed information regarding cargo, ownership, and final destination, enabling Iranian authorities to conduct security assessments and inspections when deemed necessary.
Access to Frozen Iranian Assets
The unofficial draft further suggests that Washington would facilitate Iran’s access to approximately $12 billion in frozen assets within 60 days. Tehran would reportedly be permitted to utilize these funds and transfer them to financial institutions of its choosing without additional restrictions.
Trump’s Position and Iran’s Response
Earlier, President Trump stated on the Truth Social platform that the Strait of Hormuz should be immediately reopened to international shipping without fees or restrictions, and called for the removal of any potential naval mines from the area.
Trump also reiterated that any agreement with Iran must include a clear commitment preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He indicated that cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could form part of efforts to address Iran’s stockpile of enriched nuclear material.
Iranian sources familiar with the discussions, however, disputed several of Trump’s assertions. They maintained that any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would occur under security and administrative arrangements determined by Iran, and argued that reports suggesting the dismantlement or destruction of Iran’s nuclear program were not reflected in the drafts currently under discussion.
The sources further emphasized that the release of frozen Iranian assets remains a central pillar of any prospective agreement, alongside broader measures aimed at reducing regional tensions and preventing further escalation.
No Official Confirmation Yet
The reported details remain based on leaks and media accounts, and neither Washington nor Tehran has officially confirmed the existence of a final agreement. Negotiations are understood to be ongoing, with key provisions still subject to discussion and revision.
