Iran says final draft not approved, can quit US deal over violations

Draft status and timeline

Saeed Ajorlou, a member of Iran’s negotiating team, said Saturday that Tehran has yet to approve the final draft of a proposed agreement with the United States, though only limited differences remain between the parties. Speaking to Iranian state television, Ajorlou stated that the text remained unapproved as of Friday night.

If finalized, the accord would trigger a 60-day process of detailed discussions on implementation mechanisms, he added. Ajorlou emphasized that each of the agreement’s 14 articles contains annexes requiring further negotiation, making the implementation phase more critical than the text itself.

Withdrawal mechanisms and guarantees

The negotiator described a “snapback” provision allowing Tehran to withdraw if Washington fails to uphold its commitments, including lifting the maritime blockade or releasing frozen Iranian assets. “If they do not lift the maritime blockade, we can leave the agreement,” Ajorlou said, noting that similar exit rights apply to any breach of the ceasefire or denial of access to funds.

He warned that any failure to implement commitments during the initial phase would prompt Iran to reconsider participation in the planned talks. “The agreement is entirely based on implementation and objective guarantees,” he said.

Background of US-Iran hostilities

Tensions have persisted since the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran in late February, prompting Tehran to retaliate and close the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a lasting resolution.

US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely as both sides continued exchanging proposals to resume direct negotiations. American officials have suggested a framework including a 60-day ceasefire extension and a roadmap for further talks.