CIA warning raises doubts over U.S.-Iran memorandum ahead of Switzerland signing

U.S. Vice President JD Vance revealed overnight that the memorandum of understanding signed electronically on Sunday between Washington and Tehran is only about a page and a half long, and centers on Iran bringing back International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors and receiving American and international help to destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium. A formal signing ceremony is expected on Friday in Switzerland, though President Donald Trump is considering releasing the full text before then.

Behind the scenes, Axios reported a sharp internal dispute. CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly warned Trump that Iranian intentions may not match its promises, based on intelligence they presented. The White House rejected those objections and said Trump is the final decision-maker. Officials said the memorandum sets clear red lines, preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons or using nuclear energy as leverage.

The framework calls for a 60-day ceasefire, during which intensive technical talks will continue. According to sources, the deal contains 14 clauses in which Iran repeats its pledge not to develop nuclear weapons. In exchange, the United States would not impose new sanctions or deploy additional forces while negotiations continue. A Financial Times report about a possible international investment fund of up to $300 billion for rebuilding Iran was dismissed by Trump, who said, “It’s fake news. Iran agreed it will never have nuclear weapons!”

Vance said the promised benefits are strictly conditional. “The Iranians will not get one dollar unless they behave like a normal country,” he said. Sanctions relief and the release of frozen assets would depend on concrete steps. The memo also requires free passage through the Strait of Hormuz without fees during the talks, while the U.S. would gradually lift its own naval blockade, a move expected to ease an Iranian economy that is losing about $14 billion a month. Iran is also reportedly exploring maritime talks with Oman, raising concerns about sanctions evasion. President Masoud Pezeshkian welcomed the move, while Senator Lindsey Graham warned that the agreement could prove “too naive” toward a regime that does not deserve trust. U.S. officials say cautiously that within two to three weeks they will know whether Tehran is serious, and technical talks involving Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to begin later this week.