The US and Iran are preparing to sign a framework agreement on Friday, according to sources from Gulf and Middle East India outlets. The agreement includes a $300 billion fund intended to provide economic incentives for both sides to reach a final deal. More than half of the fund has already been committed, and it is composed entirely of private-sector funds, according to Gulf and India-based sources. Iran could resume oil sales immediately upon signing, and all sanctions would be lifted if a final deal is reached after a 60-day negotiation period, according to France24.

The fund has raised questions about its funding source. Vice President JD Vance said Gulf states that were attacked by Iran could invest in rebuilding Iran, which some interpret as suggesting state-backed involvement. This contrasts with the corroborated claim that the fund is comprised entirely of private-sector funds. Trump said the US will not pay for the planned fund, as reported by Qatar and Al Jazeera, but the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes the fund, creating a contradiction. US officials said Washington is under no commitment to contribute to the fund, according to France24, and TASS reported that the US will not participate in the fund.

The US and Iran signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding for a ceasefire, according to SCMP, and the signing occurred remotely on Wednesday, as reported by HindustanTimes.com. Critics are comparing the current deal to the 2015 nuclear accord.