The United States and Iran have unveiled the full text of a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining a comprehensive framework aimed at ending hostilities, lifting sanctions, reviving trade, and resolving long-standing disputes over Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The document, read to reporters by a senior US official on Wednesday, lays out a 13-point roadmap that would bring an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations between both nations and their allies, while paving the way for a final peace agreement within 60 days.
Under the proposed framework, Washington and Tehran would formally end military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and commit to refraining from the use or threat of force against one another. Both countries also pledged to respect each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and internal affairs.
A key provision of the agreement requires the United States to begin lifting its naval blockade against Iran immediately upon signing the MOU, with full removal expected within 30 days. The US would also withdraw military forces from areas near Iran following the conclusion of a final agreement.
In return, Iran would facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, restoring maritime traffic disrupted by the conflict. Tehran would also engage regional partners, including Oman, on the future administration of the strategic waterway.
The proposed deal contains significant economic incentives. Washington and its regional partners pledged to develop a reconstruction and economic development package worth at least $300 billion for Iran. The framework also commits the United States to terminating all sanctions imposed on Iran, including UN Security Council measures, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) restrictions, and US primary and secondary sanctions, according to an agreed timeline.
On the nuclear front, Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. Both countries agreed to negotiate the handling of Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium under IAEA supervision, while discussions on future uranium enrichment activities would be addressed in the final agreement.
Pending the conclusion of a final deal, both sides agreed to maintain the status quo. Iran would freeze further expansion of its nuclear programme, while the United States would refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional military forces to the region.
The MOU also provides for immediate waivers to allow Iranian oil exports and related financial transactions, alongside the release and unrestricted use of frozen Iranian assets held abroad.
To ensure compliance, both countries agreed to establish an executive mechanism that would monitor the implementation of the memorandum and any future agreement.
Negotiations on a final settlement are expected to begin once the initial commitments, including the ceasefire, maritime arrangements, sanctions waivers, and release of frozen funds, are implemented.
If successfully concluded, the agreement could mark one of the most significant diplomatic breakthroughs between Washington and Tehran in decades, potentially reshaping security, economic and political relations across the Middle East.
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