The United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding overnight, between Wednesday and Thursday, to end the war, according to two senior American officials. The deal took effect immediately because the signing was done digitally. Donald Trump personally signed his copy while having dinner with the French president at the Palace of Versailles, and a photo of the signed agreement was then sent to Iran and the mediators between the sides.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed that the memorandum was formally signed by the presidents of both countries. Speaking to the Tasnim news agency, he stressed the importance of the Lebanon-related clauses. He said, “The Islamic Republic has proven that it does not abandon its friends under any circumstances.” He added, “For us, the ceasefire and the end of the war in Lebanon were and remain no less important than Iran itself.”
According to the spokesperson, Lebanon is central to the first section of the agreement. “Lebanon is mentioned three times in the first article of the memorandum, and it also includes respect for its territorial integrity and national sovereignty,” he said.
Iran also claimed implementation has already begun on the ground. The spokesperson said inspections showed Iranian vessels were able to enter and leave ports without difficulty, which in his words means that the United States has already started fulfilling its commitment to lift the naval blockade.
