U.S., Iran prepare peace draft as Hormuz drone is shot down
The draft would free up frozen Iranian assets, ease oil sanctions and launch 60-day nuclear talks; signing could come as soon as June 14 in Geneva.
The United States and Iran are said to have agreed on an initial draft deal to halt the conflict, with signing that Western sources said could take place as soon as Sunday, June 14, in Geneva, Switzerland. At the same time, U.S. Central Command shot down an Iranian drone it deemed a threat to merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but shipping lanes were said to remain open. The Reuters-cited draft calls for access to billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets, easing sanctions on oil exports and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. After that, both sides would enter 60 days of talks on Iran's nuclear program. Pakistan is said to be serving as mediator, while Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said there is still room to change the contents of the agreement.