The details of the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran to end the war

Diplomatic sources revealed that the United States and Iran are close to signing a new memorandum of understanding that could pave the way for a phase of de-escalation between the two sides, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation, a gradual easing of sanctions imposed on Tehran, and the resumption of negotiations on its nuclear program.

A diplomat from one of the mediating countries said the two sides had reached a final agreement in principle, but it still needed final ratification before being officially announced.

He added that negotiations had made significant progress in recent days, expressing optimism that a signing could take place in the near future.

According to the sources, the memorandum of understanding stipulates a 60-day extension of the ceasefire, including on the Lebanese front, which would create a suitable atmosphere for the resumption of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran.

The agreement also includes a preliminary framework for addressing the issue of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, but any practical steps in this matter will remain contingent on reaching a second, more detailed agreement that addresses the technical aspects of the Iranian nuclear program.

A US official confirmed that US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to several options for addressing the issue of highly enriched uranium, including reducing enrichment levels inside Iran under the supervision of UN inspectors.

The issue of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is one of the most prominent items of the anticipated agreement, as the memorandum stipulates the immediate reopening of the strait to maritime shipping without imposing additional fees or restrictions, while working to restore the levels of commercial transport that existed before the outbreak of the crisis within a period not exceeding 30 days.

In return, the United States will work to lift the blockade measures related to shipping, which will help to ease tensions that have affected global energy markets in recent months.

The understandings indicate that Iran will be granted temporary exemptions allowing it to export oil for 60 days, providing an important source of economic revenue.

However, sources confirmed that any further easing of sanctions would be linked to Tehran’s adherence to the terms of the agreement and its demonstration of good faith during subsequent negotiations, noting that there is no fixed timetable for lifting the sanctions completely.

Informed sources reported that the initial understanding was reached after long hours of indirect negotiations hosted by Tehran and led by mediators from Qatar and Pakistan.

During the talks, the mediators made frequent contact with envoys from the US administration, in an attempt to overcome the remaining obstacles and reach a formula acceptable to both sides.

In an indication that an agreement is close, sources said that logistical preparations have been underway in recent hours in anticipation of a possible signing ceremony in Geneva in the coming days.

Despite the progress made, some issues remain under discussion, most notably the mechanism for releasing frozen Iranian funds held abroad.

Tehran demands access to a portion of these funds immediately upon signing the agreement, while Washington prefers a phased release linked to the implementation of agreed-upon commitments.

If the agreement is officially signed, it’s expected to be called the “Islamabad Agreement,” in reference to the role played by Pakistan alongside Qatar in mediating efforts between the two sides, amid hopes that it will constitute a first step towards a broader settlement of the existing disputes between the United States and Iran.