LINDSEY REISER:
00:00:55
These new developments come one day after the US military launched another round of what it described as self-defense strikes on Iranian facilities. We have team coverage on this story. CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand is at the White House. CBS News Pentagon Reporter Eleanor Watson is in our Washington bureau. So, Natalie, let's start with you. What do we know about this potential agreement? Hi, Lindsey. Well, the president called this a great settlement of the war but also noted it is subject to finalization. As you noted, the president saying that could happen over the next few days, with a signing ceremony he says in Europe as early, potentially, as this weekend. He also said that once signed, the Strait of Hormuz would be immediately reopened, and then, in turn, the US naval blockade on Iranian-linked ships would be lifted. But it is important to note that diplomatic sources speaking to CBS News's Margaret Brennan say that this initial memorandum of understanding, if signed, would then lead to a 60-day period of phase two of talks, really, which would get into the details, the complex details of an agreement between the US and Iran. That pertains to the future of Iran's nuclear program. According to the sources, Iran would potentially commit to a moratorium or lockout of around 15 to 20 years, during which Iran would not enrich uranium. The president previously said that he wanted a permanent and total ban, not just a moratorium. Now, in exchange, Iran would receive financial relief staggered over time, depending on compliance with an agreement. But in the Oval today, the president said, in his view, this deal would ensure that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon, Lindsey. What are you going to be watching for in the next few hours and days? So we'll be closely watching in the next couple of days if this signing agreement comes to fruition. He says if it happens this weekend, then he would send the vice president, JD Vance. Of course, the president has this big UFC fight here at the White House on Sunday. And then that kicks off-- if that happens, there's this really complicated next phase of technical talks that are going to go on for a couple of months. And sources telling Margaret that the time period could even be extended, depending on how these talks go. And already, Lindsey, some lawmakers on Capitol Hill are signaling that they want oversight or review of a potential nuclear agreement with Iran. Notably, Trump ally Lindsey Graham says that an agreement reached with Iran on nuclear issues must be presented to Congress for review and approval, Lindsey.
LINDSEY REISER:
00:03:37
Natalie Brand, thank you. CBS News Pentagon Reporter Eleanor Watson joins us now. So the president says we've got an agreement. Just yesterday, the US was striking Iran. Can you walk us through what's been happening in the region in the last couple days? Yeah, Lindsey, there have been two nights of strikes in a row of US strikes against Iran that were triggered by the downing of the Apache helicopter on Monday. The strikes have been bigger than the usual tit-for-tat violations of the ceasefire we've seen over the past two months. Last night's strikes, according to the military, hit across Iran, hitting targets like surveillance capabilities, communication nodes, and air-defense systems. The president, as you mentioned, announced another round of strikes for tonight but called them off hours later, just hours later after he says there is some diplomatic progress towards actually ending the war. Before announcing the potential deal, President Trump said he was interested in taking Iran's Kharg Island. Can you explain what the significance of that would be? This is a renewed threat from President Trump. He's talked about this before, and that's because Kharg Island is key to Iran's economy. It's where 90% of Iran's oil exports flow through. The US has hit military targets on Kharg Island before but has stayed away from attacking any of the oil infrastructure. When the president threatens taking Kharg Island, that leaves open the door for attacking it from the air but also potentially putting troops on the ground through an amphibious landing of some sort. But remember, Kharg Island is deep inside the Persian Gulf. You'd have to get through the dangers of the Strait of Hormuz, and the island is only 15 miles from the coast of Iran. So it's still threatened by the cruise missiles, the drones, and the fast attack boats that Iran still has. And that means any mission to seize it would potentially risk some casualties.
LINDSEY REISER:
00:05:28
OK, Eleanor Watson, thank you.
