By Ginika Igboke
The United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement on June 14 aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching a 60-day negotiation process intended to reduce tensions and move toward a broader resolution of the conflict in the Middle East.
Although the memorandum of understanding (MOU) had not been publicly released as of June 15, senior U.S. officials provided details during a briefing with reporters. President Donald Trump also discussed elements of the agreement following a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron during the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France.
Agreement Signed, Formal Ceremony Planned
According to U.S. officials, Trump and Vice President JD Vance digitally signed the agreement alongside Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
A formal signing ceremony is expected to take place in Geneva on June 19.
Trump said Iran had agreed to robust monitoring measures designed to ensure that it does not develop nuclear weapons. He also indicated that the full text of the agreement could be released soon.
The agreement initiates a 60-day negotiation period, during which Vance is expected to lead discussions on technical and implementation details. U.S. officials said current American military deployments in the region will remain in place while talks continue.
Officials emphasized that the success of the agreement will depend largely on decisions made by Iran during the upcoming negotiation period.
Strait of Hormuz Set to Fully Reopen
Trump told reporters that the Strait of Hormuz, already partially open to shipping, is expected to be fully reopened within days.
Officials said mine-clearing operations are underway and commercial vessels have already begun transiting portions of the waterway. During the 60-day negotiation period, ships will reportedly be allowed to pass through the strait without tolls.
According to U.S. officials, shipping traffic could reach 40 to 50 vessels per day in the near term, with a return to normal operations expected within 30 days after mine clearance is completed.
Other nations may participate in demining efforts. Earlier this year, the United Kingdom and France announced plans for an international coalition to support mine-clearance operations once conditions permit.
Sanctions Relief Depends on Iranian Compliance
Questions remain about the future of U.S. sanctions on Iran and the timeline for any economic relief.
Trump indicated that sanctions relief would depend on Iran’s behavior and adherence to the agreement.
“If they do what they’re supposed to do, that starts taking effect,” Trump said.
U.S. officials stated that Washington is prepared to offer substantial economic incentives if Iran fulfills its commitments. Discussions have also included the possibility of creating a $300 billion reconstruction fund to support Iran’s economy, although officials stressed that any such measures would be contingent on Iranian compliance.
Frozen Iranian Assets Remain Restricted
The status of frozen Iranian assets remains another major issue under discussion.
Officials confirmed that no Iranian funds have been released under the preliminary agreement. Approximately $24 billion in Iranian assets remain frozen.
According to U.S. officials, any release of funds would occur gradually and only after Iran meets specific, verifiable milestones.
Officials said the United States may begin with limited confidence-building measures if Iran demonstrates a willingness to honor its obligations.
Separately, the U.S. Treasury Department has explored options for using some frozen Iranian assets to compensate Gulf nations for losses related to the conflict, though officials have not confirmed whether that proposal remains under active consideration.
Military Presence Will Remain During Negotiations
The Trump administration said it will maintain its current military posture in the region while negotiations continue.
Although officials expressed hope that military forces could eventually be reduced, they stressed that any drawdown would depend on a successful final agreement and evidence that Iran is complying with its commitments.
Trump has repeatedly stated that military action remains an option if negotiations fail.
According to U.S. officials, any permanent agreement would require Iran to make binding commitments to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions and cease support for extremist and terrorist activities throughout the region.
The coming weeks of negotiations are expected to determine whether the preliminary framework can evolve into a comprehensive and lasting agreement between Washington and Tehran.
Original article
Comments