A memorandum of understanding to end the war between the United States and Iran was signed yesterday and took effect today, Thursday. Iran’s Foreign Ministry in Tehran confirmed that the presidents signed the 14-point document, which now moves into implementation. The agreement covers stopping fighting on all fronts, reducing uranium enrichment, and a phased lifting of sanctions.
According to wire reports, the presidents of the United States and Iran signed the memorandum electronically. The text calls for an immediate halt to military activity everywhere, including Lebanon, and says both sides will avoid the use of force and any violation of sovereignty. It also says the Strait of Hormuz will reopen to free commercial shipping, with Iran no longer collecting transit fees.
The nuclear issue is central to the deal. Iran pledged not to develop nuclear weapons and to dilute the enriched material it already holds. That dilution will take place inside Iran under close supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
On the American side, sanctions will be lifted gradually and Iran will regain access to frozen assets, but only if it fully meets its commitments. The U.S. Treasury Department will also authorize exports of oil and petroleum products, a move intended to stop the discounts China has been receiving and that is expected to affect global energy prices. The final agreement is expected to be signed within 60 days and will include an international reconstruction plan worth at least $300 billion for Iran’s economy.