The United States and Iran are set to sign a memorandum of understanding, although doubts have emerged about whether this will occur on June 14. Iranian officials have outlined the framework of the agreement, which addresses a range of critical issues.
A senior Iranian official revealed that the memorandum encompasses various topics, including Tehran’s nuclear program, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of oil sanctions.
According to the official, the framework can be categorized into three main areas: the Strait of Hormuz, financial matters, and the nuclear program. Details on each topic are as follows:
Strait of Hormuz
- Iran will immediately open the strait to all commercial vessels, while the U.S. will lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports;
- The lifting of the U.S. blockade will commence upon signing the memorandum and is expected to be completed within 30 days.
Financial Matters
- Prior to reaching a final agreement, the U.S. will refrain from imposing any new sanctions against Iran;
- Once a final agreement is achieved, all U.S. and UN sanctions against Iran will be lifted according to a pre-established timeline;
- The U.S. will suspend oil sanctions against Iran for a specified period, allowing Tehran to continue exporting oil and generating revenue;
- The U.S. has agreed to unblock $25 billion of Iranian assets, which will include direct cash transfers, regional cooperation, and credit lines;
- In coordination with its regional allies, Washington will prepare a reconstruction and development plan for Iran, to be agreed upon within 60 days.
Nuclear Program
- Tehran has committed to neither producing nor acquiring nuclear weapons;
- During the interim period before a final agreement, Iran will maintain its current nuclear program status, refraining from further uranium enrichment and expansion of nuclear facilities;
- As part of a comprehensive future agreement, the U.S. will allow Iran to dilute its stockpile of enriched uranium on Iranian soil;
- Discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear program, uranium enrichment activities, and management of enriched uranium stocks will take place within 60 days following the memorandum, with agreed terms included in the final peace document.
However, the signing of the memorandum is now in jeopardy. U.S. President Donald Trump stated yesterday that Iran would fully abandon its nuclear weapons development and procurement under the new agreement with Washington.
He also indicated that the framework agreement with Iran could be signed today, June 14, with reports suggesting that the signing may occur remotely due to logistical challenges.
Nevertheless, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has denied that the agreement will be signed on Sunday, stating that Tehran will have to wait for a definitive date, although it did not rule out that the signing could happen soon.
The U.S. and Iran are preparing to sign a memorandum addressing key issues such as nuclear programs and sanctions, though the signing date remains uncertain. Iranian officials have detailed the framework, but recent statements from both sides suggest potential delays.