NEW DELHI: A preliminary framework for negotiations between the United States and Iran proposes transferring Tehran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium to a third country or reducing its enrichment levels, alongside reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping within seven days of an initial understanding, Al Arabiya English reported on Saturday.
The draft framework, which was obtained exclusively by the news platform, also identifies China as a potential guarantor to ensure the implementation and sustainability of any agreement. It proposes holding direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Doha instead of Istanbul.
Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would undertake commitments on its nuclear programme and maritime security in exchange for US steps to ease sanctions, blockades and other economic restrictions.
The framework also envisages an independent verification mechanism to assess compliance before each phase of implementation. This would ensure that neither side makes substantial concessions without corresponding and independently verifiable commitments from the other.
A separate dispute-resolution mechanism involving mediators and guarantor countries has also been proposed to address delays or violations and prevent a fresh escalation of military…