Axios Publishes Exclusive Deal Details: ~1,000 lbs HEU Export, 12–15 Year Enrichment Moratorium, IAEA Snap Inspections — US Drops 'Zero Enrichment' Demand — Day 86

Axios published an exclusive report on May 24, 2026 (Day 86) detailing the key parameters of the emerging US-Iran framework. Per the Axios report: Iran has agreed in principle to export approximately 1,000 lbs (~453 kg) of highly enriched uranium (HEU) — the central US non-proliferation objective — removing the fissile material from Iranian territory to a third country (likely Russia or China). Iran would accept IAEA snap inspections of its nuclear sites. The nuclear enrichment moratorium — the last major unresolved gap — is expected to be set at 12–15 years, splitting the difference between Iran's 5-year proposal and the US initial demand of 20 years; VP Vance had pushed for 20 years but convergence around 12–15 years has been signaled. After the moratorium expires, Iran could resume enrichment to 3.67% for civilian purposes — equivalent to JCPOA terms. Critically, the Axios report confirms the US has quietly dropped its 'zero enrichment' permanence demand, which had been rejected by Tehran as fundamentally incompatible with Iranian sovereignty claims. The Strait of Hormuz component — including timeline for IRGC toll abolition and navigation guarantees — remains among the most complex unresolved implementation questions. The report also notes the deal would include a phased sanctions relief mechanism tied to Iranian compliance benchmarks.