The Trump administration is considering a faster timeline for formally signing its memorandum of understanding with Iran, which could allow the agreement to take effect before a planned Friday ceremony in Switzerland.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The United States and Iran are discussing whether to formally sign their memorandum of understanding earlier than planned, a move that could put the agreement into effect sooner and clear the way for the release of its full text.
U.S. officials, Iranian representatives and mediators are considering a remote signing ceremony as early as Wednesday instead of waiting for an in-person event Friday in Switzerland, according to Axios.
If the agreement is signed early, provisions tied to reopening the Strait of Hormuz could begin sooner. The move could also end days of speculation by making the full text public.
President Donald Trump suggested during a press conference in France that the agreement could be finalized ahead of schedule.
“The deal we reached with Iran on Sunday will be signed shortly, tomorrow (Thursday), maybe the next day (Friday),” Trump said at the G7 summit.
“We are going to most likely sign a deal,” he added.
The possible acceleration comes as lawmakers, foreign governments and critics have pressed the administration to release details of the still-unpublished agreement.
Axios reported that a source familiar with the talks said Iran requested that the text remain private until the memorandum is formally signed.
Trump has described the agreement as a major diplomatic achievement that could stabilize global energy markets while preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The president has repeatedly said the central goal of the talks is ensuring that Tehran never develops a nuclear weapon. He has also warned that military pressure remains an option if Iran fails to comply with future commitments.
A central provision of the memorandum involves reopening the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The Associated Press reported that Iran would begin steps to reopen the waterway immediately once the deal takes effect. During a 60-day negotiating period, the United States would lift restrictions on Iranian oil exports.
The proposed concessions have drawn scrutiny in Washington and among U.S. allies.
Leaked versions of the agreement indicate Iran could gain access to a reconstruction fund reportedly worth at least $300 billion and eventually receive sanctions relief if future nuclear negotiations succeed.
Critics argue the framework provides Tehran with major economic benefits before it makes significant nuclear concessions.
The interim agreement reportedly does not require Iran to immediately surrender its stockpile of enriched uranium, a key concern for lawmakers and analysts who favor a tougher policy toward the Iranian government.
Supporters argue the deal could help restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and natural gas.
Energy markets have responded favorably to expectations that shipping traffic will resume and supply disruptions will ease.
Even if the memorandum is signed remotely this week, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf are still expected to meet Friday in Switzerland.
That meeting is expected to begin discussions on a broader agreement aimed at permanently preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.