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The Guardian World1 min read
Iran war day 111: Tehran warns US as 14-point plan takes effect
TL;DR
A memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran has been signed to end the ongoing conflict, with commitments to halt military operations and prevent nuclear weapon development. The agreement has already taken effect and aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Key points
- US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding
- Agreement aims to end military operations
- Commitments to prevent nuclear weapon development
- Strait of Hormuz to be fully reopened
- Agreement has already taken effect
Mentioned in this story
Donald TrumpMasoud PezeshkianUnited StatesIranStrait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the nearly four-month-long conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to Pakistani officials and statements from both sides, the agreement has already taken effect. It includes commitments to end military operations on all fronts, prevent Iran from developing or acquiring a nuclear weapon and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.
The agreement is being welcomed as a potential breakthrough, but questions remain about its implementation.
Here is what we know:
In Iran
- Iran says the memorandum is now in force: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran and Washington have finalised and electronically signed the agreement, paving the way for talks on a final deal within the next 60 days.
- Iran warns it will closely monitor US compliance: Baghaei said Tehran will watch Washington’s implementation of the memorandum “without any leniency” and will not fulfil its commitments if the US fails to meet its obligations. He reiterated that Iran’s missile programme is not open for negotiation.
- Experts expect nuclear talks to extend beyond 60 days: Kenneth Katzman, a senior fellow at the Soufan Center, said negotiations between the US and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme are likely to take longer than the 60-day timeline outlined in the memorandum. Describing the talks as “very detailed” and “very exhaustive”. He added that issues such as uranium enrichment, stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, verification measures and inspections will require extensive work by technical experts.
In the US
- Trump faces Republican backlash over Iran deal: Several prominent Republicans, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and Senator Bill Cassidy, criticised Trump’s interim agreement with Iran. Critics argue the deal does not do enough to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and object to the $300bn reconstruction plan for Iran. Some Republicans have compared the agreement with former President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump unilaterally withdrew from during his first term.
Q&A
What are the key points of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding?
The memorandum includes commitments to end military operations, prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
How has the US-Iran agreement been received by officials?
The agreement is being welcomed as a potential breakthrough, though there are still questions about its implementation.
What is the significance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz?
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is crucial as it is a key global shipping route for oil and other goods.
