Ekhbary News Agency
Geneva —
The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities across the Middle East, following several weeks of intense direct and indirect negotiations facilitated by Pakistan. A formal ceremony for the signing of the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is anticipated in Geneva on Friday, even as Washington claims the deal was signed "digitally" last weekend.
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Contradictory Statements Cloud Agreement Details
The full text of the agreement remains undisclosed to the public, with Tehran and Washington issuing conflicting statements regarding its precise contents. Multiple media outlets indicate the MoU comprises 14 points addressing various critical issues, including a "permanent" cessation of hostilities on all fronts, notably in Lebanon, comprehensive sanctions relief, the unfreezing of Iranian assets, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a US pledge not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs. This diplomatic breakthrough, for what it's worth, faces considerable hurdles, primarily due to the divergent interpretations already emerging from both capitals.
Strait of Hormuz and Nuclear Program Implications
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that both sides "declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." Israel, however, not a party to this agreement, stated its forces would not withdraw from the country. President Donald Trump announced the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened "permanently toll free" and ordered an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports. Yet, Iranian media reports suggest this toll-free transit applies only to the initial 60-day negotiation period, with Tehran planning to impose fees subsequently. Both nations have also provided assurances that Iran will never acquire nuclear weapons, with a final settlement on nuclear issues expected within 60 days.
