US-Iran Peace Agreement: Key Points from the Leaked Memorandum
Overview of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding
As the signing of a peace agreement between the US and Iran approaches this Friday, a news outlet has revealed the contents of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries. This draft has not been officially published by either nation, but a copy was acquired from a US official. Interestingly, the document does not reference the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the leaked draft, both countries have committed to ceasing hostilities across all fronts, including in Lebanon. The US is set to withdraw its troops from areas surrounding Iran and will also lift the naval blockade. In return, Iran is expected to facilitate the movement of merchant vessels from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman within a 30-day timeframe.
Key Points from the Memorandum
- A permanent cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- Mutual respect for each nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Negotiations for a final agreement to be completed within 60 days.
- The US will lift the naval blockade and withdraw its forces within 30 days.
- Iran will ensure the movement of merchant ships from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman within 30 days.
- A comprehensive plan for Iran's rehabilitation and economic development will be created by the US and its regional partners.
- The US will end all sanctions imposed on Iran.
- Iran has reaffirmed its commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons.
- Both nations will maintain the current status quo regarding Iran's nuclear program and US military presence.
- The US will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil and petrochemicals immediately after the MoU is signed.
- Frozen Iranian assets will be released by the US.
- A mechanism will be established to ensure the effective implementation of the final agreement.
- Negotiations for a final agreement will begin after the MoU is signed and certain assurances are received.
- The final agreement will be validated through a legally binding resolution by the UN Security Council.
Last week, a similar 14-point draft was reported by Iran's Mehr News, but it was dismissed as "fake" by Trump.
White House Response
The White House has dismissed the draft MoU shared by the news outlet. Steven Cheung, the Director of Communications, stated, "The supposed text of the MoU obtained by CNN does not reflect the actual language of the MoU."
Trump's Remarks
Trump also rejected the draft MoUs, asserting, "We're not investing. We're not putting up 10 cents. People can choose to do that, but that's their decision... We are not investing in it and do not have a fund... That's a false story that was misreported."