A senior US government official said on June 15 that the United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding electronically, but both sides will still hold a formal signing ceremony on June 19.
During a press briefing, the official revealed that US President Donald Trump and Vice President Vance signed the memorandum, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf signed on behalf of Iran. Vance, along with Trump’s special envoy Witkoff and his son-in-law Kushner, are expected to attend the ceremony on the 19th. Vance will then lead the US into the next phase of negotiations.
The official added that the memorandum will be made public within 24 to 48 hours. However, Trump, speaking at the G7 summit in France that same day, said the memorandum would be released after the formal signing ceremony.
The US official stated that during the US-Iran technical negotiations, the US will maintain its current troop levels in the Middle East. If a final agreement is reached, the US will reduce its military presence in the region.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the official said traffic in the strait will return to normal soon, “definitely within 30 days, but only if Iran commits to clearing all mines.” The US “currently knows the locations of all the mines” and could actually assist in their disposal.
The official also clarified that the US-Iran agreement does not require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. “Withdrawal is not a precondition of this agreement. If Iran cannot control Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the latter attacks Israeli positions or towns, Israel has the right to defend itself and retaliate.” The official believes the ongoing conflict in Lebanon will not hinder the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran.
Earlier that day, Vance said in a US media interview that there are many “critical” details that need to be finalized during the subsequent 60-day negotiations.
