The US has revealed the contents of the memorandum of understanding they reached with Iran last week, which includes 14 provisions focusing on ending the war, reopening the strait, easing sanctions, and other issues.
On Wednesday, 17 Jun 2026 GMT+7, the United States officially disclosed the contents of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) they drafted with Iran, scheduled for signing this Friday. It comprises 14 provisions including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, easing certain financial restrictions on Iran, and establishing guidelines for final negotiations.
The document is titled "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding Between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran" and was released following strong criticism due to the lack of public disclosure initially.
1 - The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with their allies in the current war, sign this MOU to declare an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. They pledge not to initiate any wars or military actions against each other from now on, refrain from threats or use of force, and guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final agreement will confirm the permanent end of war on all fronts, including Lebanon, along with other stipulations in this paragraph.
2 - The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs.
3 - The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran are bound to negotiate and reach a final agreement within a maximum of 60 days, with the possibility of extending this period by mutual consent.
4 - Upon signing this MOU, the US will begin lifting the maritime blockade, including any disturbances or obstacles against Iran, and will completely end the blockade within 30 days. During this period, vessel traffic will be restored proportionally to the pre-war levels of Iranian maritime traffic. Additionally, the US pledges to withdraw military forces from areas near Iran within 30 days after the final agreement is reached.
5 - Upon signing this MOU, Iran will exert its utmost effort to ensure safe and free passage for commercial vessels without charge for 60 days, from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and vice versa. Commercial shipping will commence immediately, and considering the need to remove technical and military obstacles, Iran will complete mine clearance within 30 days.
Furthermore, Iran will consult with the Sultanate of Oman to establish future maritime management and service guidelines in the Strait of Hormuz. It will also coordinate with other Persian Gulf littoral states in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereignty rights of the coastal states bordering the Strait.
6 - The United States pledges to cooperate with regional allies to develop a clear, mutually agreed plan with funding of at least 300 billion US dollars for the restoration and economic development of Iran. The mechanism for implementing this plan will be finalized as part of the final agreement within 60 days. All necessary licenses, exemptions, and approvals for related financial transactions will be granted by the US.
7 - The United States commits to ending all types of sanctions against Iran, including United Nations Security Council resolutions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral US sanctions at both primary and secondary levels, according to a mutually agreed timeline as part of the final agreement.
Iran and the US recognize the critical importance of the sanction removal issues mentioned above and express joint intent to address these matters in immediate negotiations to reach a mutual agreement.
8 - Iran reiterates that it will neither supply nor develop nuclear weapons. The US and Iran have jointly agreed to resolve the management of the stockpiled enriched materials according to a mechanism to be mutually agreed upon, aligned with the timeline specified in paragraph seven. Minimum standards include reducing enrichment levels at storage sites under IAEA supervision.
Additionally, both parties agree to discuss issues concerning enrichment and other matters related to Iran's nuclear needs as mutually agreed, based on a consensus framework to be established in the final agreement. The final agreement will confirm the provisions of this paragraph.
The US and Iran acknowledge the utmost importance of the nuclear issues mentioned above and express joint intent to address them promptly in negotiations to achieve a mutual agreement.
9 - While awaiting the final agreement, the US and Iran agree to maintain the status quo: Iran will keep its current nuclear program status, and the US will not impose new sanctions or deploy additional military forces in the region.
10 - The US pledges that immediately upon signing this MOU and until sanctions end, the US Treasury Department will issue exemptions for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, including all related services such as banking transactions, insurance, and transportation.
11 - The US commits to releasing Iran's frozen or restricted funds and assets for full use once this MOU is implemented. Both countries will agree on procedures for releasing these funds during negotiations. Whether held in original accounts or transferred, these funds must be fully available for payments to any ultimate beneficiaries designated by Iran's Central Bank. The US will issue all necessary licenses and approvals accordingly.
12 - The US and Iran mutually agree to establish an administrative mechanism to oversee compliance with this MOU and future final agreements.
13 - After signing this MOU and contingent upon implementation of paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11, including their ongoing enforcement, the US and Iran will begin negotiations on the final agreement, focusing only on the remaining paragraphs.
14 - The final agreement must be ratified through a legally binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
This memorandum of understanding is scheduled for official signing on Friday (19 Jun 2026 GMT+7), which will mark the start of the 60-day timeframe for negotiating the final terms. Earlier, CNN reported on a draft agreement outlining various conditions, and the official US statement released shows similarities with minor wording differences.
"Fundamentally, this is an agreement that allows us to immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz, binds Iran to destroy nuclear dust, and gives us a lever to adjust the situation. If Iran improves its behavior, we will respond by increasing economic relief and sanctions measures that help them become a more prosperous country," a senior US official said.
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Source:cnn