The White House expects Iran to respond within the next “day or two” to a proposed memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to a report published Wednesday by Axios, citing US officials.

The development comes as US President Donald Trump signaled progress in recent contacts with Iran, claiming that talks over the past 24 hours had been productive and could pave the way toward a deal.

“We've had very good talks over the last 24 hours, and it's very possible that we'll make a deal,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday, adding that Tehran had reportedly indicated willingness not to pursue a nuclear weapon as part of ongoing discussions.

A US official cited by Axios said Washington and Tehran were “not far” from an agreement, though “there is no deal yet.”

Proposed framework and diplomatic push

According to Axios, the White House believes the two sides could soon sign a 14-point memorandum of understanding that would launch a broader negotiation phase between the countries.

Reports indicate the proposed framework includes provisions related to sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and easing restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is reportedly seeking a diplomatic breakthrough before Trump concludes his trip to China next Friday. The report added that failure to secure progress could lead the US president to reconsider military options.

The latest developments follow months of escalation in the region. On February 28, the United States and "Israel" launched an aggression on Iran, causing civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure. A two-week ceasefire was later announced on April 7, though subsequent talks in Islamabad ended without a conclusive agreement.

Trump later extended the cessation of hostilities to allow Tehran time to formulate what he described as a “unified proposal”.

Iran rejects claims of imminent breakthrough

Iranian officials, however, have pushed back against reports suggesting that an agreement is near.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Parliament National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, dismissed claims of a breakthrough as a “US wish list,” stressing that Washington would not achieve through military pressure what it failed to secure diplomatically.

He warned that Iran remains on high alert and said any refusal by the United States to retreat from pressure tactics or offer meaningful concessions would face a “harsh response” from Tehran.

An informed source cited by Tasnim News Agency also said Iran has yet to issue an official reply to the latest US proposal, describing parts of the draft memorandum as “unacceptable.”

The source stated that Tehran had already presented a “reasonable and logical” 14-point proposal through Pakistani mediation, while accusing Washington of undermining negotiations through continued pressure and military actions.

Iranian officials further emphasized that current discussions are focused solely on ending the war and not on broader strategic or long-term nuclear concessions. They added that any formal Iranian response would be delivered through mediators after internal consultations are completed.

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