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🇪🇬 Egypt /Conflict & Security

Vague language and bad faith: why the US-Iran deal hangs by a thread

From Egypt Independent · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at de-escalating conflict faces significant challenges due to vague language and escalating violence.
  • The agreement's key provisions, designed to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, are being interpreted differently by both sides.
  • Escalating attacks on merchant ships and US responses have tested the MoU, with US President Trump expressing skepticism about further negotiations.

Nearly a month after the United States and Iran agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) intended to halt fighting and pave the way for a broader settlement, the deal is hanging by a thread. A recent cycle of violence, sparked by attacks on merchant ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, has accelerated, prompting hundreds of strikes by the U.S. military against Iranian targets.

The Strait of Hormuz remains under the total oversight and management of Iran through the 30 coming days.

— Abbas AraghchiIranian Foreign Minister stating Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Both Washington and Tehran accuse each other of acting in bad faith and reneging on their commitments. The MoU, signed on June 17, deliberately left key provisions vague. Article 5 commits Iran to using its "best efforts" to ensure safe commercial passage for 60 days, while Iran and Oman are tasked with defining future administration and maritime services in the Strait. Iran interprets this as maintaining a role in managing shipping, with hardliners insisting on targeting vessels that attempt passage without permission.

It’s regulating, basically kicks in and out.

— Regional sourceDescribing the MoU's function as a regulatory mechanism.

"The Strait of Hormuz remains under the total oversight and management of Iran through the 30 coming days," stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on June 27. He added that the waterway's full capacity would only be restored "after all obstacles are removed." A regional source described the MoU as a "thermostat," regulating activity by "kicking in and out." However, as attacks escalate, the agreement is under severe strain. A European diplomat commented, "At best, it’s in intensive care. But it may also be slipping into a coma."

At best, it’s in intensive care. But it may also be slipping into a coma.

— European diplomatAssessing the precarious state of the US-Iran agreement.

Adding to the uncertainty, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked last week, following an attack on a ship in the Gulf of Oman, "To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them (Iran) anymore." Despite this, Trump has not entirely closed the door on future negotiations. The MoU was intended to initiate a 60-day window for the U.S. and Iran to address larger issues, including Iran's nuclear program, sanctions, and frozen assets. This window opened 26 days ago, but there is no indication that these core issues have yet been discussed.

To me, I think it’s over. I don’t want to deal with them (Iran) anymore.

— Donald TrumpExpressing his view on the potential collapse of negotiations with Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Egypt Independent. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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