PARIS : In a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has signed a historic ...
PARIS : In a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, US President Donald Trump has signed a historic agreement with Iran. The signing took place during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles with French President Emmanuel Macron following the G7 summit.
In a significant modern shift, President Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian executed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) digitally.
However, the accord comes with a stark warning. President Trump stated that the US would not hesitate to resume bombing raids on Iran if any clauses of the agreement are violated. Tehran has not yet officially reacted to the warning.
"President Trump signed tonight at Versailles the agreement between Iran and the United States," French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X. "This agreement paves the way for lasting peace and allows the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It is an important step in the right direction for our compatriots that will soon enable a decrease in energy prices."
'Time to Test Implementation,' Says Iran
Iran confirmed the signing but struck a cautious note.
"The text of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was finalized with the signatures of the presidents—now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, as quoted by the state news agency IRNA.
While the formal in-person signing was originally scheduled to take place in Switzerland, Tehran confirmed that the upcoming high-level meeting in Geneva remains on track. With the preliminary document now signed, Washington and Tehran have a 60-day window to negotiate the final terms of the peace treaty.
US Discloses the Agreement Text Amid Public Pressure
Facing mounting public pressure over a lack of transparency, US officials read out the verbatim text of the document during an AFP-reported conference call. The move comes days after Trump first blindsided officials by announcing the deal.
Formally titled the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran," the pact dictates:
An immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, explicitly including Lebanon.
The lifting of the US naval blockade on Iran within 30 days, restoring commercial vessel traffic to pre-war levels.
The complete withdrawal of US forces from the immediate vicinity of Iran within 30 days of a finalized deal.
A commitment from Iran to ensure the safe, charge-free passage of commercial vessels through its waters for the next 60 days.
The signing effectively pauses a devastating 110-day war that erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched joint airstrikes on Iranian targets.
Key Clauses and Regional Challenges
1. The Regional Ceasefire & Lebanon
The foremost clause mandates an immediate halt to all military maneuvers. Crucially, the explicit inclusion of Lebanon forces Iran to rein in Hezbollah’s rocket attacks and regional operations.
While Israel is not a direct signatory to this bilateral US-Iran deal, Washington has explicitly clarified that Israel retains an absolute right to self-defense if provoked.
2. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz
The mining and blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most vital oil transit corridor—had triggered the worst global energy crisis since 1990. Under the new terms:
De-mining Operations: Iran has agreed to clear all sea mines and physical obstructions. Commercial shipping is guaranteed to return to pre-war volumes within 30 days.
Transit Tax Waiver: Despite initial reports suggesting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) might demand transit fees for security, US officials confirmed that all transit taxes have been completely waived.
3. Phased Economic Concessions
To secure Iran’s signature, Washington has extended sweeping economic relief:
Port Access: The US Navy will immediately withdraw its stringent blockade on Iranian ports.
Oil Exports: Sanctions on Iranian crude oil have been eased, allowing Tehran to immediately resume global fuel sales.
Unfreezing Assets: The agreement outlines a phased release of over $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets across foreign banks, alongside a proposed $300 billion development package. However, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized that these funds will only be released based on verified cooperation during the 60-day talks.
4. The 60-Day Nuclear Status Quo
The core trigger of the war—Iran’s rapid uranium enrichment—has been placed under a strict temporary freeze:
Downblending Stockpiles: Iran has agreed in principle to blend down its roughly 440 kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium under the direct supervision of the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Mutual Restrictions: For the next 60 days, Iran cannot advance its nuclear technology. Conversely, the US is barred from slapping new sanctions on Tehran or expanding its military footprint in the Middle East.
Future Outlook: Deep Skepticism Remains
Despite a sharp drop in global oil prices and a positive rally in international markets, both capitals face heavy domestic pushback.
In Washington: Critics in the US Congress argue that lifting oil sanctions before securing a final treaty strips America of its leverage. Trump's overt threat of military action underscores how fragile the current truce remains.
In Tehran: State-aligned media is framing the deal as a massive diplomatic triumph for Iran. Analysts note that Tehran managed to completely dismantle the economic and naval blockade without explicitly surrendering its long-term right to domestic uranium enrichment.
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