US and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding to End Hostilities, Reopen Strait of Hormuz

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U.S. and Iran Sign Landmark 14-Point Agreement to End Conflict

The United States and Iran have signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end their ongoing conflict and reopen the critical waterway of the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, finalized early and signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, establishes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

"Both parties agree to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon."

A 60-day negotiation period will follow to resolve outstanding issues, primarily concerning Iran's nuclear program.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

• Immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.
• Both parties agree to respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.
• The agreement does not mention Israel or Hezbollah as direct parties. However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated the IDF will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza for an unlimited period.

• Both parties undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The US commits to refrain from interfering in Iran's internal affairs.
• US officials indicated this effectively relinquishes any stated aims of regime change in Iran.

• The Strait of Hormuz will reopen to commercial vessels within 30 days.
• Iran will make its best efforts for safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days.
• After 60 days, Iran and Oman will discuss future administration and potential fees for maritime services.
• Iran has stated it will charge fees for services; the US has rejected any permanent tolling system.
• The US will begin removing its naval blockade within 30 days and fully end it within 30 days.

• Iran reaffirms its commitment not to procure or develop nuclear weapons under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
• Both parties agree to resolve the disposition of enriched uranium stockpiles.
• Enriched material will be down-blended on site under IAEA supervision.
• Nuclear negotiations will take place within the 60-day period following the MOU.
• Iran has denied making commitments to hand over uranium or dismantle facilities.

• The US undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against Iran on an agreed schedule as part of the final deal.
• The US Treasury will immediately issue waivers for Iranian crude oil exports, petroleum products, and associated banking services.
• $24 billion in blocked Iranian funds will be released during the 60-day period, with half available before negotiations begin.
• The US can only unilaterally end its own sanctions; no mechanism is provided for enforcing cancellation of UN or IAEA sanctions.

• The US commits, with regional partners, to develop a plan for at least $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction and economic development.
• US officials stated the United States will not provide financial contributions; Gulf countries are expected to cover costs.
• All required licenses, waivers, and permissions for financial transactions will be granted by the US.

• A monitoring mechanism will be established.
• The final agreement is to be approved by a UN Security Council resolution.
• Final negotiations are limited to enriched materials/enrichment, sanctions lifting, and economic reconstruction.
• Iran's missile program and support for regional groups are not explicitly excluded from the text.

Reactions and Statements

• President Trump described the agreement as "done" and stated the Strait of Hormuz would open soon.
• Vice President JD Vance confirmed the US and IAEA would assist Iran in destroying its enriched uranium stockpile.
• White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the deal represents a "total and complete victory" for the US.
• Trump stated he would "bomb the hell out of them" if Iran violates the agreement.

• Iranian officials characterized the ceasefire as a "victory," stating their preconditions for negotiations were accepted.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei noted that services in the Strait of Hormuz will involve costs.
• Iran's Supreme National Security Council stated the US was compelled to accept Iran's 10-point plan.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed support for the US decision but stated the ceasefire does not include Lebanon.
• Israel demanded Iran immediately open the strait and cease attacks against the US, Israel, and regional countries.

Conflict Background

The conflict began on February 28, 2025, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The war involved multiple rounds of strikes and counter-strikes, including:

• US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear, military, and energy infrastructure
• Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks on Israel, US bases, and Gulf states
• Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting approximately 20% of global oil supply
• The death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes
• Over 5,000 reported fatalities across nearly a dozen countries, including more than 1,600 civilians in Iran

The conflict was marked by multiple ceasefire attempts, mediation efforts by Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar, and shifting US demands ranging from nuclear program restrictions to regime change.

Next Steps

• Direct face-to-face peace talks are scheduled to finalize details.
• The 60-day negotiation period will address nuclear issues, sanctions, and a final comprehensive agreement.
• Iranian state media cautioned that the ceasefire talks do not signify a permanent end to the war until the terms of Iran's peace plan are met.