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U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding likely to be signed next week

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • A memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran is likely to be signed next week, paving the way for further negotiations.
  • The agreement would involve Iran halting uranium enrichment for 15-20 years in exchange for phased financial relief.
  • Sources indicate differing accounts, with one Iranian news agency denying an agreement on an initial deal.

A significant diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran is poised for signing early next week, according to two sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts. This memorandum of understanding is expected to initiate 60 days of talks aimed at negotiating the specifics of a broader U.S.-Iran agreement.

no text of the initial memorandum of understanding with the United States has been approved.

— knowledgeable source close to the Iranian negotiating teamDenying President Trump's claims about an agreement on an initial deal.

The initial steps outlined in the potential deal include ensuring "freedom of trade" by demining and opening the Strait of Hormuz. In principle, Iran would commit to a 15-20 year lockout period, during which it would not enrich uranium and would dismantle its nuclear sites. In return, Iran would receive financial relief, disbursed over time and contingent upon compliance with the agreement's terms.

However, conflicting reports have emerged. While President Trump announced on Truth Social that "all parties involved" had approved the final points of a potential deal and that a signing would be announced shortly, the Fars News Agency, linked to the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps, quoted a source close to the Iranian negotiating team denying any agreement on an initial deal. This source stated that "no text of the initial memorandum of understanding with the United States has been approved."

The strait will open as soon as we have it signed.

— President TrumpCommenting on the potential deal and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump mentioned the potential signing during an Oval Office event, stating he would not attend but Vice President JD Vance would. He indicated the signing could occur as early as the upcoming weekend in Europe, adding, "The strait will open as soon as we have it signed." The understanding reportedly includes provisions for United Nations inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to handle "nuclear dust" and inspect nuclear sites. Israel has not yet officially commented, though President Trump stated he had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several Arab leaders.

They will not have a nuclear weapon, they've agreed to that.

— President TrumpStating Iran's agreement not to develop nuclear weapons.
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Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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