Expected Framework Agreement: A Path of Gradual De-escalation Between Washington and Tehran Extending to Regional Arenas

Leaks to The Washington Post reveal details of a proposed framework agreement between the United States and Iran, involving phased arrangements aimed at reducing tensions and opening a path toward de-escalation across more than one regional arena.

According to an Iranian official cited by the newspaper, the first phase of the understanding includes practical steps, most notably mine clearance, the lifting of some forms of the U.S. blockade, and the release of about $12 billion in frozen funds.

In return, U.S. sources said the proposed framework envisions a commitment by all parties — including the United States and its allies, Iran, and its proxies — to halt hostilities, while preserving what it described as “Israel’s right to respond to imminent threats.”

A diplomatic source also told the newspaper that signing the memorandum of understanding would launch a gradual process to end military operations on various fronts, including the Lebanese arena, as part of broader understandings to recalibrate regional balances.