US Official Unveils 14-Point Interim Agreement with Iran to Halt Conflict, Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States publicly disclosed an interim agreement with Iran on Wednesday, intended to halt military operations and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. A senior U.S. official presented the 14-point document, referred to as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” to reporters.

The memorandum outlines an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, with both parties committing not to initiate war or military action against each other. It also includes pledges to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, refraining from interference in internal affairs.

The agreement establishes a negotiation period of up to 60 days to achieve a final deal, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent. Upon signing the MOU, the U.S. is to begin removing its naval blockade and impediments against Iran, completing this within 30 days. Iran, in turn, will facilitate the safe, free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, aiming to fully reinstate traffic within 30 days and engage with Oman and other Persian Gulf states on future maritime administration.

Key provisions address economic and nuclear issues. The U.S. undertakes to develop a plan with regional partners for Iran’s reconstruction, valued at at least USD 300 billion. The U.S. also commits to terminating all sanctions against Iran, including UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions, as well as unilateral U.S. sanctions, as part of the final deal.

Iran reaffirms its commitment not to procure or develop nuclear weapons. A mutually agreed mechanism for the disposition of stockpiled enriched material, involving on-site down blending under IAEA supervision, is part of the understanding. Discussions on enrichment and other nuclear needs will proceed based on a framework in the final deal.

Pending the final agreement, both parties are to maintain the status quo. This means Iran will uphold its current nuclear program status, while the U.S. will refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional forces in the region. The U.S. further undertakes to issue waivers for Iranian crude oil exports and associated services, and to make frozen or restricted Iranian funds fully available.

An executive mechanism will be established to monitor the implementation of the MOU and future compliance with the final deal. Negotiations for the final deal on remaining issues will commence once specific initial paragraphs of the MOU are implemented. The final deal is intended to be endorsed by a binding UN Security Council resolution.

According to Dawn Pakistan, citing a Reuters report, the agreement was presented by a senior U.S. official.