The United States and Iran are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Friday that sets out a proposed 60-day ceasefire framework. The agreement is aimed at temporarily halting hostilities and creating space for broader negotiations toward a long-term settlement.
Reports say the full text of a 14-point agreement intended to end the conflict in West Asia was reportedly released by the United States on Wednesday. The MoU, reached over the weekend between the two sides, is scheduled for signing on Friday and is expected to activate a 60-day window for finalizing a permanent deal.
According to CNN, the document is titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran.” Pakistan is reported to have played a key mediating role in the negotiations.
The framework reportedly includes provisions aimed at ensuring the full, toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, along with easing selected financial restrictions on Iran. It also outlines expectations for future technical discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
US–Iran Deal Draft MoU: Key Points of the Reported 14-Point Framework
As per CNN’s report, the draft memorandum includes the following provisions:
- Permanent end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon
- Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity between the US and Iran
- A final agreement to be negotiated within a maximum of 60 days
- US to lift its naval blockade within 30 days and withdraw forces from areas near Iran
- Iran to ensure uninterrupted movement of merchant shipping between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman within 30 days
- A joint US and regional plan for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development
- US commitment to fully end sanctions on Iran
- Iran reaffirming its pledge not to develop nuclear weapons
- Maintenance of the current status quo, with Iran keeping its nuclear programme unchanged and the US refraining from new sanctions or increased military presence
- US to issue immediate waivers allowing Iranian exports of crude oil and petrochemicals until sanctions are fully removed
- Release of frozen Iranian assets by the US
- Creation of an implementation mechanism to enforce the final agreement
- Launch of final negotiations after verification that key provisions (Articles 4, 5, 10, and 11) have begun implementation
- Final agreement to be ratified through a legally binding United Nations Security Council resolution
US–Iran Ceasefire Framework: De-escalation Plan and 60-Day Timeline
As per the report, the draft describes a framework calling for an end to all hostilities and mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. It also establishes a 60-day timeline to reach a final agreement.
The proposal includes steps to reduce military presence, such as the withdrawal of US forces from areas surrounding Iran and the lifting of a naval blockade within 30 days. In exchange, Iran would ensure the smooth flow of commercial shipping across key maritime routes connecting the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman.
White House Response to Reported US–Iran Draft MoU
The White House rejected the leaked draft published. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung stated, “The supposed text of the MOU that was obtained by the sources does not reflect the language of the actual MOU.”
Donald Trump Rejects Claims of US Funding in Iran Deal Report
US President Donald Trump also dismissed reports related to the draft agreement. He said, “We’re not investing. We’re not putting up 10 cents. And people can decide to do that, but that’s up to them… We are not investing in it and we do not have a fund… That’s a false story that got picked up incorrectly,” rejecting claims of US financial involvement.
Disclaimer: The draft was initially reported as being leaked by Bloomberg, with a later version published by CNN. However, the sunday guardian does not independently verify the contents of the reported agreement.
