Reuters: US-Iran Deal Includes $300bn Investment Fund

A framework agreement between the United States and Iran includes plans to establish a $300 billion private investment fund to encourage investment in Iran, Reuters reported, citing an informed source.

According to the reported document, the United States, Iran and their allies would commit to ending hostilities, including in Lebanon, while Tehran would reaffirm its pledge not to seek, develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.

The memorandum also states that both sides would discuss Iran’s uranium enrichment programme and its nuclear needs, while maintaining the current status of Iran’s nuclear programme throughout the negotiation period.

The framework includes a US commitment to lift the naval blockade and refrain from imposing new sanctions or increasing troop deployments in the region during the talks.

In return, Iran would put in place arrangements to guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for 60 days.

The proposed investment fund would be one of the most significant economic elements of the agreement, aiming to encourage private-sector investment and support Iran’s economic recovery if the deal moves forward.

The reported framework comes amid efforts to reduce regional tensions and reach a wider understanding between Washington and Tehran after a period of military escalation and diplomatic pressure.