Sources familiar with the matter said the two sides and
mediators are working on a draft 14-point memorandum that would establish a
monthlong framework for talks aimed at reducing tensions and preparing a
broader agreement.
The talks are expected to cover Iran’s nuclear program,
security in the Strait of Hormuz and the possible transfer of Iran’s highly
enriched uranium stockpile to a third country, the newspaper said.
Iran has for the first time signaled a willingness to
discuss its nuclear program, while still rejecting the idea of transferring its
nuclear materials to the United States, an Iranian official said.
The sides have not yet agreed on how long Iran would halt
uranium enrichment or whether its enriched uranium stockpile would be moved out
of the country. Iran’s push to retain long-term influence and control over the
Strait of Hormuz also remains unresolved.
Serious differences also remain over easing sanctions on
Iran, one of the main obstacles to reaching an agreement, WSJ reported.
If the sides make tangible progress, the initial monthlong
framework could be extended by mutual consent, the newspaper added.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said Tehran is analyzing the
proposed framework. U.S. officials, meanwhile, said the United States, Iran and
mediating countries had exchanged a series of documents outlining possible
formats for a future deal.
The Wall Street Journal reported on May 1 that Iran had
softened its position on talks with the United States. Tehran is no longer
demanding that restrictions be lifted as a condition for starting dialogue.
Instead, Iran has proposed simultaneous discussions on opening the Strait of
Hormuz, security guarantees and its nuclear program.
Also on May 1, the day the deadline expired for the
president to conduct military action without congressional authorization, the
Trump administration said hostilities against Iran had “ceased.”
Under the 1973 War Powers Resolution, a U.S. president may
wage war for only 60 days before ending it and seeking congressional
authorization or requesting a 30-day extension because of an “unavoidable
military necessity” during a troop withdrawal.
Under the U.S. Constitution, only Congress, not the
president, can declare war. But that restriction does not apply to short-term
operations or responses to an immediate threat.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on May 5 that the
military operation Epic Fury against Iran had ended and that Washington had
achieved its objectives.
Trump later said the United States had held “very good
talks” with Iran.
Axios reported on May 6 that the United States and Iran were
close to a preliminary memorandum that could serve as the basis for ending the
hostilities and launching talks on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and
security in the Strait of Hormuz.