US and Iran revising June deal with focus on Hormuz, Pakistani source says

New terms are being drafted between the US and Iran to update an initial framework reached in June, with a focus on clauses related to traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a Pakistani source told The National.

Intermediaries are "currently working on drafting an updated MoU", the official said, referring to the June 17 memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran that laid out the terms for reopening the strait and negotiations for a permanent ceasefire during a 60-day pause in hostilities.

“Messages are being passed. Indirect talks are in an advanced stage,” the official said about discussions on the proposal. The focus was on “opening the Strait of Hormuz and keeping it open”, they added.

Pakistan has been acting as mediator for the talks, exchanging messages between Washington and Tehran, while Qatar and Oman have also been involved in efforts to assist communication and move proposals between the two sides.
Axios reported, citing two regional sources and a US official, that the proposal under discussion would establish an initial 60-day arrangement which could later be extended.

Under the interim plan, inbound traffic would use a northern lane through Iranian waters, while outbound vessels would use a southern lane through Omani waters in co-ordination with Iran. No tolls or fees would be charged during the temporary period.

"The parties would work on clearing naval mines from the median lane of the strait within 30 days," Axios said. The proposal follows comments from Iranian state media that future arrangements could include a "middle corridor" through the waterway.

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran were engaged in “very good discussions”, but warned Iran it would face severe consequences if it backed away from a potential deal.