Iran is advocating for a temporary interim agreement with the United States to ease escalating economic pressures and stabilize internal conditions, all while avoiding significant concessions on its nuclear program, according to sources and experts. This strategy aligns with Iran’s traditional approach: absorb external pressure, steer clear of irreversible commitments, and maintain negotiations without altering core positions, close Iranian sources say.
However, the current effort is also motivated by immediate issues. Officials view a limited deal as a means to buy time, gain financial relief, and curb rising domestic risks stemming from a weakening economy, without tackling the most contentious issues.
Diplomatic negotiations have intensified in recent weeks following regional escalation triggered by US and Israeli strikes in late February, which escalated into broader regional conflict. Iranian attacks in the Gulf raised alarms about the security of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital chokepoint for about 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies.
Despite a fragile ceasefire in April, the conflict remains deadlocked. A US blockade on Iranian ports coupled with Tehran’s control over the Strait continues to apply pressure on both sides, inflating economic costs and leaving the threat of renewed hostilities unresolved.
Under these circumstances, both Iran and the U.S. have lower expectations for a comprehensive resolution. Instead, they are exploring what officials describe as a temporary memorandum—a kind of interim deal—that aims to prevent full-scale conflict and delay disagreements over Iran’s nuclear activities.
Tehran’s primary objective with such an agreement is to turn military and economic pressure into cash flow, breathing room, and de-escalation without halting sensitive nuclear activities. Iran aims to end hostilities on all fronts—including in Lebanon—restore access to billions of dollars in oil revenues, secure waivers on crude exports, lift US port blockades, and retain influence over the Strait of Hormuz—while deferring the most divisive nuclear issues.
This framework would likely involve temporary easing measures and phased access through the waterway, leaving unresolved questions about Iran’s uranium enrichment capacity and existing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, including materials enriched to 60%.
Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington, explained that Tehran’s decision-making is less about battlefield risks and more about economic pressure and uncertainty. “Iranian leaders recognize that time may not be on their side… They seem to believe that engaging in limited dialogue is better than prolonged economic decline and unpredictability, which could weaken their governance at home and their regional influence,” he said.
Much of the outcome hinges on the quality of negotiations. Against a backdrop of domestic and international pressure, Iran’s leadership wants a quick deal to ease sanctions and boost the economy, especially amid inflation, currency devaluation, and declining living standards. President Donald Trump faces pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lower fuel prices, while also resisting any concessions to Iran from critics within his own Republican ranks.
Iran’s domestic situation is precarious as well. Years of sanctions, financial mismanagement, and ongoing conflicts have battered the economy, fostering inflation and social unrest. Short-term financial inflows from a preliminary deal are seen as crucial to keeping the economy afloat, preventing unrest from resurging.
The Strait of Hormuz remains Iran’s strategic advantage. Within Iran’s ruling circles, it’s increasingly regarded less as a bargaining chip and more as a lasting asset. Any agreement that restores shipping through the strait while maintaining Iran’s influence would preserve its leverage, allowing flow resumption tied to political negotiations—without forcing Iran to make major policy concessions, as one source noted, “With the onset of the war, Trump handed Iran control of the Strait.”