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"Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Baqaei, stated on Saturday that Tehran is in the 'final stages' of preparation of a memorandum of understanding which sets out its position for a peace process with the United States. Baqaei noted that work is ongoing with Pakistan acting as official mediator, with the assistance of regional parties including Qatar. "Our plan is first to draft a memorandum of understanding, a framework agreement consisting of 14 articles," Baqaei told Iranian television, adding that the document includes “the most important issues necessary for ending the imposed war and matters of fundamental importance to us." "The end of US naval aggression, what they call the naval blockade, along with issues related to the release of Iran's frozen assets, are the main topics addressed by this memorandum of understanding," he continued. However, Baqaei added that the memorandum of understanding will not include “the nuclear issue in detail at this stage,” an element which Washington has consistently insisted upon as being the key red line for negotiations. “The nuclear issue was a pretext for two aggressive wars against the Iranian people,” he added, noting that Iran has been attacked during negotiations on the nuclear question in the past. “Therefore, we responsibly and wisely decided to prioritise and focus on the issue that is urgent for all of us at this stage, and that is ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon,” he went on. The spokesperson also thanked Pakistan for 'tremendous efforts' over recent weeks to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington, adding that detailed discussions are expected to take place over a period of between 30 and 60 days, in order to reach a final and comprehensive agreement. On Monday, Baqaei said that Iran "continues to coordinate with Oman and other relevant parties to develop a mechanism governing navigation in the Strait of Hormuz," adding that both sides held a meeting in Muscat last week to follow up on the issue. President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that Washington is 'studying the matter,' while stressing that the United States wants the international waterway to remain 'free' and that 'no fees should be imposed.' He also asserted 'full control over the Strait of Hormuz,' claiming the US naval blockade on Iranian ports is "100% effective. No one could break through. It's like a steel wall." This week Trump claimed he 'may have to give' Iran 'another hit' - and said he had been an 'hour away' from launching strikes. A ceasefire was declared on April 8, with proposals reportedly exchanged between the sides via Pakistani mediators. The Strait of Hormuz crisis has continued, with Iran closing it to 'unfriendly' countries and the US blockading Iranian ports. The United States and Israel had launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28. Iran subsequently confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and appointed his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as his successor. Tehran responded by launching missile strikes targeting Israel and a number of countries in the region. "
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