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A US-Iran agreement to extend the ceasefire between the two countries has been signed and is now in effect, a White House official has confirmed to the BBC. President Donald Trump formally signed the deal while attending the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France. This 14-point agreement, known as a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), stipulates that Iran will never possess a nuclear weapon and allocates a whopping $300 billion fund for the country’s “reconstruction and economic development,” although it’s important to note that the US is not required to contribute financially.

This deal comes four months after tensions escalated between the nations and Israel. The Trump administration has labeled the agreement as “performance-based,” meaning that Iran will only see benefits if it adheres to its commitments. However, the text of the deal leaves many questions unanswered and some critical issues unresolved.

The opening paragraph of the agreement indicates that the US, Iran, and their allies will declare an “immediate and permanent” end to military operations on “all fronts,” including Lebanon. Trump has voiced concerns that Israeli military actions against Hezbollah could jeopardize the agreement with Iran. On the flip side, Tehran has made it clear that it expects Lebanon to be included in the truce. If Israeli military operations persist in Lebanon, it would be considered a “violation of the understanding,” and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned that “necessary measures will be taken.”

The agreement specifies that both parties are to refrain from initiating military operations or threats against each other, ensuring the “territorial integrity and sovereignty” of Lebanon. This is a significant point, and it remains to be seen how Israel will respond. The document also emphasizes the need for the US and Iran to “respect each other’s sovereignty” and refrain from meddling in internal affairs, which might not sit well with Iranian dissident groups. Earlier this year, Trump had promised support to Iranian protesters during widespread anti-government demonstrations in various cities.

The MoU also states that the US and Iran commit to negotiating a final deal within a “maximum” of 60 days, although this timeline could be extended if both parties agree. That countdown has officially begun since the leaders signed the MoU. Trump inked the agreement at a post-G7 dinner at the Palace of Versailles, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also put his signature on it. A formal signing ceremony in Geneva was hinted at, but its status remains uncertain.

Once the MoU is signed, the US will begin to lift its naval blockade and remove “any disturbances or impediments” affecting Iranian ports. The blockade is set to be fully lifted within 30 days, aligning with the agreement and statements from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During this period, the number of vessels allowed through Iranian ports by the US will be proportional to the traffic being restored by Iran in the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Within 30 days of a final deal being signed, the US has pledged to withdraw American forces from the “proximity of Iran,” reverting to the military posture and assets in place before hostilities began on February 28. The agreement highlights that Iran will “make arrangements using its best efforts” to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, free of charge. This has been a significant objective for the US since the conflict began, as the closure of the Strait sent global oil prices soaring.

The document points out that traffic will resume “immediately,” accounting for the removal of technical and military “obstacles” and conducting de-mining operations. Officials have stressed that vessels will not be charged for transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Looking further ahead, the agreement mentions that Iran will collaborate with Oman and other Gulf states to create a “broader” framework for managing the Strait of Hormuz.

An American official expressed that while the US believes Iran will assert its rights “aggressively,” Gulf states would “never” accept a toll system in the region. The MoU also states that the US and regional partners will develop a “definitive, mutually agreed plan” valued at least $300 billion for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development. However, the US will not be financially involved, as it is not obligated to pay anything to Iran.

Trump has made it clear that the agreement contrasts sharply with the 2015 nuclear deal made by the Obama administration. The US will terminate all economic sanctions against Iran, including those from UN Security Council resolutions and unilaterally imposed sanctions. However, timelines remain unclear, and both sides have expressed intentions to address this issue promptly in future negotiations.

Iran has agreed not to procure or develop nuclear weapons and both nations will work on how to manage Iran’s existing enriched uranium. Although the method remains uncertain, it is noted that the material will be “downblended” under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). A senior US official regarded this as a “minimum standard” and a “major win” for the US.

The agreement also maintains a “status quo” on Iran’s nuclear program until the enriched uranium can be resolved, meaning the US will not impose new sanctions during this period. Additionally, waivers for oil exports and banking transactions will be issued. Iran has long demanded the release of its frozen assets for economic relief, and the document promises that the US will make available these funds once the MoU is signed.

The last sections of the document outline how the deal will be implemented. Both countries will create a “mechanism” to monitor compliance with the MoU and future agreements, although specifics are still vague. Once the MoU is enacted, negotiations for a final deal will commence, ultimately endorsed by a binding UN Security Council resolution.

Trump has asserted that this deal guarantees Iran will never develop or acquire nuclear weapons, although the agreement’s text may not fully reflect this assurance. With these developments unfolding, the question lingers—what comes next for US-Iran relations?

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber