Israeli Journalist Reports US-Iran Deal Framework amid Calls to Reject It

Israeli journalist Amit Segal has highlighted a reported US-Iran deal framework from Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing checks with senior Israeli officials. Segal posted on X Wednesday that the US and Iran stand at their closest point to an agreement since the battle with Iran started on February 28.

The framework calls for the US and Iranian naval blockade to lift gradually during detailed negotiations. The United States would commit in a memorandum of understanding to ease sanctions gradually and release tens of billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

Negotiations continue on the length of Iran's uranium enrichment freeze. Three sources said the freeze would last at least 12 years, while one estimated 15 years. The US also seeks a clause to extend the freeze if Iran violates enrichment limits.

Two sources said Iran would agree to ship its highly enriched uranium out of the country. The US expects Iran's response within 48 hours on key points of the draft.

Steve Forbes called the prospective deal terrible and said America must finish the job in Iran. He said it would draw sharp criticism from Republican Iran hawks who want President Trump to complete the task decisively.

Forbes argued the end game need not humiliate Iran's remaining leaders, whom President Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have labeled lunatics. Rubio added Tuesday from the White House podium that they are insane in the head.

He said those leaders, who hold the guns, are fanatical killers who cannot be trusted. The blockade should remain until full commercial traffic resumes through the Gulf to all countries except Iran. Iran must fully abandon enrichment, dig up and hand over its highly enriched uranium buried under rubble from US precision strikes, cap its missile and drone programs with strict limits on numbers and range under verification, restore internet access for its people, and cut funding to Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Forbes described these as reasonable demands that Iran's fanatics must recognize. He said President Trump holds leverage and must use it all. Special envoys Steve Witckoff and Jared Kushner do not want their names on a second Munich agreement and have walked away before. Trump should not risk his historic victory by easing up on Iran.