US, Iran reportedly speeding up deal signing

The United States and Iran are reportedly in advanced negotiations to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), according to sources cited by Axios. The agreement is being considered for digital signature as early as Wednesday, moving up the timeline from a previously scheduled in-person ceremony on Friday.

Mediators are facilitating these talks, aiming for the process to be completed electronically via digital signatures. This approach would allow for the immediate activation of the MOU's terms without requiring the physical presence of delegations from both nations. Diplomatic sources from mediating countries indicate that Washington and Tehran have already reached consensus on key aspects of the agreement, making the accelerated process feasible.

Axios notes that the electronic signing could occur within the day. Such a development would immediately bring into effect the agreement's provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz, enabling the implementation of security and passage measures outlined in the text. It would also allow the White House to proceed with the public release of the full agreement details.

According to the same sources, the acceleration of these procedures is intended to open the Strait of Hormuz before Friday, as there is already complete convergence between the two sides on this specific issue. This move suggests a shared urgency to establish the agreed-upon terms concerning this critical waterway.