US, Iran sign ‘Islamabad MoU’ to end hostilities, unveil 14-point framework

Senior US officials unveiled the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, a 14‑paragraph interim framework signed with Iran. The agreement seeks to end hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, restrict Iran’s nuclear programme, and pave the way for a broader accord within 60 days.

Washington: Senior US officials on Wednesday disclosed the text of a 14-paragraph memorandum of understanding signed between the United States and Iran, outlining a framework aimed at ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, restricting Tehran’s nuclear programme and launching negotiations on a broader agreement within 60 days.

The document, titled the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, was read aloud by a senior administration official who told reporters that the 14-paragraph memorandum is designed as an interim framework rather than a final settlement.

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Senior US officials said it establishes broad obligations for both sides while leaving detailed implementation measures to be negotiated during the next 60 days.

Under the agreement, the United States, Iran and their allies commit to “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” and pledge not to initiate military action against one another.

The memorandum also commits both countries to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.

A key provision gives both parties up to 60 days to negotiate a final agreement, with the option of a mutual consent extension. The final accord, if reached, would be endorsed by a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.

Calling for the phased removal of the US naval blockade, it seeks restoration of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies. Iran, in turn, would facilitate safe passage for commercial vessels and maintain toll-free transit through the waterway for 60 days.

A senior US official said the arrangement effectively guarantees the reopening of one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.

The memorandum also outlines a pathway for economic engagement with Iran if negotiations succeed. One provision calls for the development of a reconstruction and economic development plan worth at least $300 billion, although officials stressed the agreement does not require the United States to contribute funds.

“What it says is that if we get to a final deal and if the Iranians behave, we will permit the sanctions relief that would allow, for example, the Emiratis to build a power plant in Iran,” a senior US official said.

The most significant section of the memorandum concerns Iran’s nuclear programme.

The text states that Iran “shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons” and commits both sides to resolving the future of Iran’s enriched nuclear material. It identifies downblending under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency as the minimum method for eliminating existing stockpiles.

“The enriched stockpile will be destroyed by down-blending,” a senior US official said. “The fact that there are conceiving to that is a major, major win for the United States of America.”

Officials said sanctions relief would be directly linked to progress on nuclear commitments.

“We are saying the sanctions relief and the nuclear issues are connected,” a senior US official said. “To the extent that you perform on the nuclear questions, you’ll get the sanctions relief.”

The memorandum also provides for waivers on Iranian oil exports, discussions on the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the creation of an executive mechanism to monitor implementation and future compliance.