US and Iran Outline Peace Deal in Memorandum of Understanding
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, delivered by a senior administration official, details a broad agreement aimed at terminating military operations and normalizing relations. The document outlines a commitment to cease hostilities, respect sovereignty, and negotiate a final deal within 60 days. Key provisions include the lifting of U.S. naval blockades, the termination of all U.S. and international sanctions against Iran, and a U.S.-backed $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. Iran, in turn, reaffirms its commitment to not procuring nuclear weapons and facilitating safe commercial passage in the Persian Gulf.
The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with their allies in the current war, have declared an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Both nations have committed to refraining from initiating war or military operations against each other and avoiding the threat or use of force. The agreement also emphasizes ensuring Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Under the MOU, both countries undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, pledging to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs. They have committed to negotiating and achieving a final deal within a maximum of 60 days, with an option for extension by mutual consent.
Immediately following the signing of the MOU, the United States is to begin removing its naval blockade and other impediments against Iran, with a full cessation of the blockade within 30 days. During this period, vessel traffic is to be restored to pre-war levels by Iran. The U.S. also commits to removing its forces from proximity to Iran within 30 days after the final deal.
Iran, upon the MOU's signing, will arrange for the safe and free passage of commercial vessels from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman for 60 days. Commercial vessel traffic is set to commence immediately, with full reinstatement within 30 days after the removal of technical and military obstacles and de-mining efforts by Iran. Iran will also engage in dialogue with Oman and other Persian Gulf littoral states to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.
A significant provision involves the United States undertaking, with regional partners, to develop a mutually agreed plan for Iran's reconstruction and economic development, totaling at least $300 billion. The implementation mechanism for this plan is to be finalized as part of the final deal within 60 days, with the U.S. granting all necessary licenses, waivers, and permissions for financial transactions.
The United States has also committed to terminating all types of sanctions against Iran. This includes United Nations Security Council resolutions, IAEA Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral U.S. sanctions (primary and secondary), to be executed according to an agreed schedule within the final deal. Both nations acknowledge the critical importance of sanctions termination and intend to address these issues immediately in negotiations.
Iran reaffirms its commitment not to procure or develop nuclear weapons. The U.S. and Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpiled enriched material through a mutually agreed mechanism, including on-site down-blending under IAEA supervision. Discussions will also cover enrichment and other nuclear needs of Iran within a satisfactory framework to be established in the final deal.
Pending the final deal, both parties agree to maintain the status quo. Iran will preserve the current status of its nuclear program, while the United States will not impose new sanctions or deploy additional forces in the region.
The U.S. Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and associated services (including banking, insurance, and transportation) immediately upon the MOU's signing and until sanctions are terminated. Furthermore, the U.S. undertakes to make frozen or restricted Iranian funds and assets fully available upon the MOU's implementation, with procedures for release to be mutually agreed upon.
An executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MOU and compliance with the future final deal. Negotiations for the final deal on the remaining paragraphs will commence after paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of the MOU begin implementation and continue successfully. The final deal will be endorsed by a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.
According to Axios, this full text of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding was delivered by a senior administration official in a briefing with reporters.
