The United States has released the official text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached with Iran over the weekend, outlining steps aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing sanctions, and addressing Tehran’s nuclear programme.
A senior US administration official presented the 14-point document on Wednesday, describing it as a framework for restoring maritime trade, managing Iran’s nuclear activities, and creating a pathway for phased sanctions relief tied to Tehran’s compliance with future agreements.
The agreement, titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” was made public following criticism over the lack of transparency surrounding its contents.
According to the US official, the memorandum provides for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and commits Iran to addressing its stockpile of enriched nuclear material while creating a mechanism through which economic and sanctions relief could be expanded if Tehran meets agreed obligations.
The MoU is expected to be formally signed on Friday, initiating a 60-day period during which both sides will negotiate a comprehensive final agreement.
The agreement contains 14 articles covering security, economic, and nuclear-related commitments.
The United States, Iran, and their respective allies involved in the current conflict agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Both sides pledged not to initiate future military actions against one another and to refrain from threats or the use of force.
Washington and Tehran committed to respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and pledged not to interfere in one another’s domestic affairs.
Both countries agreed to negotiate a comprehensive final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending the deadline by mutual consent.
Under the memorandum, the United States will begin lifting its naval blockade and removing obstacles affecting Iranian maritime activity. The blockade is expected to be fully lifted within 30 days.
Iran, in turn, agreed to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz free of charge for 60 days while working to remove mines and other navigational obstacles. Tehran will also engage Oman and other Gulf states on future management arrangements for the strategic waterway.
The United States committed to working with regional partners on a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran valued at no less than $300 billion. The details of the financing and implementation mechanism are expected to be finalized during negotiations on the final agreement.
Washington pledged to pursue the gradual termination of all sanctions imposed on Iran, including those linked to United Nations Security Council resolutions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) decisions, and unilateral US measures. The timing and process for lifting sanctions will be negotiated as part of the final deal.
Iran reaffirmed that it would not seek to acquire or develop nuclear weapons.
A significant addition in the final version of the memorandum is a provision establishing a “minimum methodology” for handling Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Under the proposal, the material would be diluted on-site under IAEA supervision. Both countries also agreed to discuss uranium enrichment and other nuclear-related issues during forthcoming negotiations.
Pending a final agreement, Iran agreed not to expand its current nuclear programme, while the United States pledged not to impose additional sanctions or deploy more military forces to the region.
The US Treasury Department will issue waivers allowing exports of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and related services, including banking, insurance and transportation support, immediately after the memorandum takes effect.
Washington also committed to making frozen or restricted Iranian funds available for use, subject to agreed procedures. The assets would be accessible for payments designated by Iran’s central bank, with necessary licences and authorisations issued by US authorities.
Both countries agreed to establish a joint implementation mechanism to oversee compliance with the memorandum and any future final agreement.
Formal negotiations on the remaining provisions of a final agreement will begin after implementation starts on key measures related to the ceasefire, maritime access, sanctions waivers and asset releases.
The final agreement, once reached, is expected to be endorsed through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
Before the official release, CNN reported obtaining a draft version of the agreement from US and diplomatic sources familiar with the negotiations.
One of the most notable changes in the final document is the inclusion of specific language outlining a minimum process for neutralising Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium through down-blending under IAEA oversight.
The final text also includes a provision granting commercial vessels free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, a clause that was absent from the earlier draft.
US officials have described the memorandum as primarily a political framework rather than a comprehensive agreement, noting that several sensitive understandings between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear programme, remain subject to ongoing negotiations.
Iranian media, meanwhile, had previously dismissed leaked versions of the draft as inaccurate before the official text was released.
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