The United States and Iran have formally signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at de-escalating military tensions and facilitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement, which has already taken effect, marks a significant step in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Reports indicate that the signing ceremony was initially scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday. However, sources suggest that discussions regarding the agreement’s signing and implementation may have occurred earlier, driven by both parties’ desire to expedite the reopening of the strategic waterway.
Political pressure on the White House to disclose the text of the memorandum has also been cited as a contributing factor. One source claimed that Iran insisted on keeping the text confidential until the official signing, but it was clarified that the White House did not yield to political pressures.
The signing process involved high-ranking officials from both sides. According to a senior administration official, the initial agreement was electronically signed on Sunday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Jay D. Vance, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf signing on behalf of Iran.
Media reports also indicate that Trump signed a physical copy of the document during a dinner in France with President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.
Sources from Axios reported that this was the second signing of the memorandum, although the rationale behind the two signings remains unclear. Questions have arisen regarding the differences between the digital signature obtained on Sunday and the one signed later in the week.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding the signing process, a meeting between American and Iranian delegations, led by Vance and Qalibaf, is still scheduled for Friday. They are expected to discuss the initiation of negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
In Iran, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei, commented on the memorandum, stating that the text was signed in both Persian and English. He noted, “If there had been only an English text, its translation could have led to disputes over interpretation. But now both sides have signed not only the English text but also the Persian version.”
However, it remains uncertain whether the planned meeting in Switzerland will proceed as scheduled.
The U.S. and Iran have signed a memorandum to ease military tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, effective immediately, reflects a complex diplomatic effort amid ongoing discussions about Iran's nuclear program.