The United States on Wednesday released the official text of a 14-point memorandum of understanding reached with Iran over the weekend, following criticism from lawmakers and observers over the lack of public disclosure.
A senior U.S. administration official presented the document, formally titled the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran,” describing it as a framework aimed at reducing tensions and paving the way for a broader agreement between the two countries.
The memorandum includes provisions for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, easing restrictions on Iran’s oil exports and financial transactions, and launching a 60-day negotiation process focused on Tehran’s nuclear programme.
Under the agreement, both sides commit to an immediate cessation of hostilities and pledge to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The United States also agreed to lift its naval restrictions on Iranian ports and facilitate the restoration of commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Among the key provisions, Iran reaffirmed its commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and agreed to cooperate with international monitoring mechanisms as discussions continue on the future of its uranium enrichment activities. The memorandum also establishes a framework for technical talks aimed at reaching a comprehensive nuclear agreement within 60 days.
The document further provides for sanctions waivers to allow Iranian oil exports and certain banking transactions, while discussions continue on broader sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets. It also calls for the creation of a joint mechanism to monitor implementation of the agreement and resolve disputes.
Other notable points include commitments to avoid new military escalation during the negotiation period, support for restoring regional stability, and plans to seek international backing for any final agreement reached by the two sides.
The release of the memorandum comes after growing demands for transparency regarding the contents of the deal. Critics had questioned reports that the agreement involved significant concessions on sanctions, maritime access and Iran’s nuclear activities without public scrutiny.
U.S. officials, however, defended the memorandum as an interim framework designed to reduce tensions, secure freedom of navigation in the Gulf, and create conditions for a lasting diplomatic settlement between Washington and Tehran.
The two countries are expected to engage in intensive technical and diplomatic negotiations over the coming weeks, with the outcome likely to shape the future of regional security, global energy markets and international efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.
