Will the $300 billion reconstruction fund change the game of Middle East politics? Will the withdrawal of US forces and lifting of sanctions give Iran a major strategic advantage? Will the control and toll dispute over the Strait of Hormuz give rise to new tensions? Will the 12-point US-Iran deal end the nuclear crisis or is it the beginning of a bigger mystery?
US Iran 12 Point Agreement: Amidst the decades-old enmity between US-Iran and the smoldering situation in the Middle East, a sensational news has come to light, which has shaken the geopolitical equations of the entire world. The draft of a highly confidential ’12-point peace agreement’ (MOU) between Washington and Tehran has been leaked. This report, quoted by Israel’s Channel 12 and ‘The New York Post’, states that this historic agreement includes very shocking provisions regarding the removal of sanctions, ban on the nuclear program and most importantly – the strategically sensitive Strait of Hormuz.
That big revelation of ‘Axios’: Will Lebanon be peaceful forever?
This highly confidential document was first brought to the world by the well-known journalist Barak Ravid of ‘Axios’. Initially it was considered a 14-point agreement, but currently its 12 main provisions have become public. The first and biggest impact of this agreement will be that Iran, the US and their allies will stop fighting and military actions across the region – including in troubled Lebanon – with immediate effect. Under this peace agreement, Tehran will once again reiterate its vow on the global stage that it will never make nuclear weapons. In return, the US would lift its naval blockade, pause on new sanctions and refrain from sending additional troops to the region.
The biggest bet on the Strait of Hormuz
The most shocking part of the document relates to the Strait of Hormuz. There have been differences of opinion between America and Iran for years regarding this sea route, considered the lifeline of the world’s oil trade. According to the proposal, Iran will guarantee safe and toll-free passage for commercial ships for 60 days. But behind the scenes, discussions are also going on about a new maritime security system and a possible tariff system. This is the point that may prove to be the biggest dispute or compromise in the times to come.
$300 billion mega-fund: What is the truth behind America’s ‘denial’?
Even more surprising are the financial provisions of the agreement. If this 12-point formula is successful, then under the final agreement to be reached within 60 days, America will have to withdraw its forces from the Middle East within just 30 days and all the stringent sanctions imposed on Iran will have to be removed. This will open the way for a huge reconstruction fund of $300 billion for Iran. Iran has full hope that America and its Western allies will make a major contribution to this fund so that its economy devastated by sanctions can be revived. However, Washington has publicly refused to make any direct cash payments to Iran, leaving the guarantee for these huge sums of money a deep mystery.
What will be the new arrangement on nuclear programme?
According to the proposed agreement, Iran will again promise that it will not make nuclear weapons. With this, both the countries will start detailed talks on the existing reserves of enriched uranium and future nuclear activities. Until a final agreement is reached, Iran will maintain the current status of its nuclear program.
Will the American army really return?
The most strategic point of the draft is related to the US military presence. According to the report, America can withdraw its troops from the region within 30 days of the implementation of the final agreement. If this happens, it will be considered a historic change in the balance-of-power system of the Middle East. However, experts believe that the most political and security challenges may arise at this point.
What is the real story behind privacy?
US Vice President JD Vance has indicated that the full text of the agreement was intentionally not made public. He says that due to the role of Pakistan, Qatar and other mediator countries, many sensitive diplomatic aspects have been kept confidential. This indicates that negotiations are still going on behind the scenes and many important terms have not been made public.
The world’s eyes are now on the next 60 days
If this proposal turns into an actual agreement, it could mark the beginning of an end to decades of tension, sanctions and military confrontation in the Middle East. But the question still remains – will America and Iran be able to stick to their promises this time, or will it, like many incomplete agreements in history, become just another diplomatic document? The coming 60 days will decide the answer to this question.
US-Iran proposed 12-point agreement: Simple and point-wise
- 1. Regional ceasefire: Iran, the US and their allies will agree to stop military conflict and fighting throughout the region, including Lebanon.
- 2. Promise not to make nuclear weapons: Iran will reaffirm that it will never develop nuclear weapons.
- 3. Decision on Uranium Reserves: The US and Iran will together decide what will be the future of Iran’s enriched uranium stock.
- 4.New talks on nuclear programme: The two countries will begin new talks on Iran’s future nuclear needs and uranium enrichment activities.
- 5. Existing nuclear status intact: Iran will not make any major changes to the status of its current nuclear program during the talks.
- 6. Relief from American pressure: The US will reduce the naval blockade, avoid imposing new sanctions and will not send additional troops to the region.
- 7. Strait of Hormuz will be safe: Iran will ensure safe and toll-free movement of commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
- 8. Release of frozen assets: After the implementation of the agreement, America can release a part of Iran’s frozen assets.
- 9. Withdrawal of US forces: After the final agreement, America can withdraw its troops from the area within 30 days.
- 10. Plan to lift restrictions: America will take steps towards ending the economic and trade sanctions imposed on Iran.
- Reconstruction Fund of $11.300 billion: The proposed agreement could pave the way for a $300 billion economic reconstruction fund for Iran.
- 12. Oil trade and the new maritime order: The US will allow Iran to sell oil under limited relief, while Iran, Oman and the Gulf states will negotiate new maritime security and shipping arrangements.