Kashmir Impulse Desk

New Delhi, June 18

A 14-point framework signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday establishes a roadmap for negotiations aimed at ending conflict and reaching a long-term agreement on Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.

The memorandum, which came into force immediately, requires both sides to halt military operations and begin talks on a final settlement within 60 days.

Diplomats involved in the process described the accord as a confidence-building measure rather than a final peace treaty.

Central to the framework is Iran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons and Washington’s pledge to work towards sanctions relief tied to Iranian compliance.

The agreement also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures to ensure the safe movement of commercial shipping.

The framework outlines plans for a major reconstruction programme for Iran, potentially worth hundreds of billions of dollars and expected to be financed by international and regional partners rather than the United States.

Several sensitive issues remain unresolved, including the treatment of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, verification mechanisms and the pace of sanctions removal.

Negotiators are expected to spend the next two months working through those questions.

US officials said economic incentives under the arrangement would be linked to measurable Iranian compliance, while any final settlement could eventually receive backing from the United Nations Security Council.

Analysts said the agreement represents a significant diplomatic opening but warned that deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran could complicate efforts to secure a lasting accord.