Overview
- The memorandum of understanding was signed by President Donald Trump and Iran’s president and brought into effect Wednesday, committing both sides to an immediate and permanent end to military operations and to begin 60 days of talks toward a final agreement.
- The published text requires the U.S. to lift exceptions on oil sanctions so Iran can resume exports, directs the U.S. to remove its naval blockade and calls for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened within set timeframes.
- The deal obliges Iran to dilute or otherwise reduce its stockpile of highly enriched uranium under IAEA supervision but leaves precise nuclear limits and verification steps to the final accord.
- Key implementation issues remain unresolved including the legal steps and timetable for long-term U.S. sanction relief, the structure and backers of a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund, the handling of frozen Iranian assets, and how allied actors such as Israel and Hezbollah will be managed.
- The agreement drew swift political pushback in the United States and warnings from the White House that military force could resume for violations, and its success will hinge on technical clauses, financing pledges and IAEA verification during the coming negotiation window.