Iran: peace draft with the U.S. nearly final, but not approved

Iran said the draft understanding with the United States is nearly final, but has not reached a final decision. Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said the main parts of the text have essentially been agreed, but are still being reviewed by decision-making bodies in Tehran and Iran will not cross its “red lines.” The remarks responded to President Donald Trump's claim that a peace agreement could be signed as soon as this weekend in Europe. Trump also linked the signing to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. According to a source cited by Axios, Iran has already given high-level approval and is now awaiting the endorsement of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. In the talks, Iran is demanding the lifting of international sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz.