The United States has disclosed details of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached with Iran. While no physical copy has been released, a US official read the text to reporters. Iranian officials have yet to confirm the US version.
The first clause states that the US and Iran agree to the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." Both sides commit to ensuring the "territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon." However, the document makes no mention of Israel, which occupies one-fifth of Lebanon and has subjected it to near-daily strikes since March, killing at least 3,000 people and displacing over one million.
Given that the agreement is solely between the US and Iran – Israel and Hezbollah are not signatories – it remains unclear how a ceasefire in Lebanon would be implemented or whether Iran must stop funding Hezbollah. Iran's support for proxy groups is not mentioned. Israel has repeatedly stated it will not withdraw from Lebanon.
The second paragraph states that the US and Iran "undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs." This suggests the Trump administration has abandoned hopes of regime change in Iran. Trump, who previously urged Iranians to "take over your government," now claims he "never cared about regime change."
Paragraph four says the US "will begin the removal of its naval blockade" and "will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days," and "undertakes to remove its forces within 30 days after the final deal." Paragraph five states Iran will "make its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days" and will negotiate with Oman on the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
The eighth clause reaffirms that Iran "shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons." The US and Iran agreed to resolve the disposition of enriched material via a mutually agreed mechanism, with "down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA" as the minimum methodology. This implies Iran would dilute its stockpile of approximately 440 kg of 60%-enriched uranium to reactor-grade levels (3-5%).
Clause six commits the US to develop, with regional partners, a plan worth at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran. No details are provided on who will pay or any restrictions. Trump has suggested Gulf countries may contribute.
Clause seven says the US will terminate all sanctions against Iran on an agreed schedule as part of the final deal. It does not specify whether this includes UN sanctions. Iran, one of the most heavily sanctioned countries, needs billions in frozen assets for post-war rebuilding.
Source: www.aljazeera.com