HA Viewpoint – On June 17, Iranian state media published the full terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) reached with the United States. Later the same day, senior U.S. government officials also shared the official text through media outlets. The content from both sides is largely consistent. Here’s the full text:
1. The United States, Iran, and their allies in the current conflict sign this MOU, declaring an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. They commit to never waging war or launching military actions against each other in the future, and to refraining from the use or threat of force. They also pledge to ensure Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The final agreement will confirm the permanent end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, along with other provisions outlined in this clause.
2. The United States and Iran commit to mutually respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
3. The United States and Iran commit to negotiating and reaching a final agreement within a maximum of 60 days, a period that can be extended by mutual consent.
4. Upon signing this MOU, the United States will immediately begin lifting the naval blockade against Iran and cease any interference or obstruction. The full removal of the naval blockade will be completed within 30 days. During this period, the volume of vessel traffic will correspond proportionally to Iran’s pre-war traffic levels. The U.S. further commits to withdrawing its forces from the vicinity of Iran within 30 days after the final agreement is reached.
5. After signing this MOU, Iran will make every effort to arrange free and safe passage for commercial vessels between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman within the 60-day period. Commercial vessel traffic will begin immediately, with full implementation within 30 days, taking into account the need to remove technical and military obstacles and for Iran to conduct mine clearance. Iran will engage in dialogue with Oman and consult with other Persian Gulf states to determine future management and maritime service arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of the Strait’s coastal states.
6. The United States commits to working with regional partners to develop a definite, mutually agreed plan to invest at least $300 billion in Iran’s reconstruction and economic development. The implementation mechanism for this plan will be finalized within 60 days as part of the final agreement. The U.S. will issue all necessary licenses, exemptions, and permits required for related financial transactions.
7. The United States commits to terminating various sanctions against Iran according to a timeline to be agreed upon in the final agreement, including those imposed by UN Security Council resolutions, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors resolutions, and all U.S. unilateral sanctions (both primary and secondary). Both Iran and the U.S. recognize the critical importance of resolving these sanctions and express their intention to address these issues immediately during negotiations to reach consensus.
8. Iran reaffirms that it will not acquire or develop nuclear weapons. Both parties agree to resolve the disposal of existing enriched nuclear material stockpiles according to the timeline in Clause 7 and a mutually agreed mechanism. The approach will adopt a minimum solution of on-site dilution under IAEA supervision. Both sides also agree to discuss uranium enrichment activities and other mutually agreed matters related to Iran’s nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework established in the final agreement. The final agreement will confirm all provisions of this clause. Iran also recognizes the critical importance of these nuclear issues. Both parties express their intention to address these issues immediately during negotiations to reach consensus.
9. Before the final agreement is reached, both Iran and the U.S. agree to maintain the status quo. Iran will keep its nuclear program at its current state, while the U.S. commits to not imposing any new sanctions or deploying additional forces in the region.
10. The United States commits that, from the date of signing this MOU until sanctions are lifted, the U.S. Treasury Department will issue exemption licenses allowing Iran to export crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, as well as all supporting services including banking transactions, insurance, and transportation.
11. The United States commits to fully releasing Iran’s frozen or restricted funds and assets for its use after the implementation of this MOU. The U.S. and Iran will agree on procedures for releasing these funds during negotiations. Whether used through the original accounts or via transfers, such funds must be fully available for payment to the ultimate beneficiaries designated by the Central Bank of Iran. The U.S. commits to issuing all necessary licenses and authorizations for this purpose.
12. The United States and Iran agree to establish an implementation mechanism to oversee the smooth execution of this MOU and future compliance with the final agreement.
13. After signing this MOU, and provided that Clauses 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 of this MOU have begun implementation and are being continuously enforced, the United States and Iran will negotiate the remaining clauses for the final agreement.
14. The final agreement will be ratified through a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council.
