The U.S.-Iran negotiations have been chaotic. But the confusion has only grown since the MOU was signed.

U.S. and Iran Sign Memorandum of Understanding on Ending Conflict, With Implementation Steps Underway

WASHINGTON — The United States and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding last weekend aimed at concluding hostilities that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in February. The document outlines immediate steps including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions waivers for Iranian oil exports, followed by a 60-day period for negotiating a longer-term agreement.

Vice President JD Vance signed the MOU on Sunday. The White House later scheduled a formal signing ceremony for Friday. On the same day, President Donald Trump stated that he would authorize the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as part of a complete deal, then clarified that the waterway would open after the Friday signing. Administration officials gave differing timelines on Monday for public release of the MOU text, with some indicating 24 to 48 hours and others pointing to Friday.

During the Group of Seven summit in France, Trump indicated he might read the MOU text at a news conference. U.S. officials instead read the text during a call with reporters while the president held his conference. Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian later signed the agreement again, with the U.S. signing occurring at a dinner in Versailles attended by French President Emmanuel Macron. It remained unclear whether a separate Friday ceremony or additional talks would occur.

The MOU requires immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic and directs the U.S. Treasury Department to issue waivers for Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, derivatives, and related services including banking, insurance, and transportation. U.S. Central Command reported that the blockade on vessels to and from Iranian ports was lifted after the second signing. No Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the strait were reported on Friday, and U.S. forces continued operations to support navigation, according to a U.S. official.

Vance stated on Thursday that the 60-day period for a comprehensive agreement had begun. Officials from both countries had planned to meet in Switzerland on Friday to start those talks, but the White House announced that Vance had postponed travel after new Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Iran requested assurances that hostilities in Lebanon would cease, consistent with MOU provisions, and mediators continued efforts to address the issue, according to a regional diplomat.

U.S. intelligence assessments indicate Israel is likely to continue operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which could affect implementation of the U.S.-Iran agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government have publicly criticized the MOU.

Trump expressed support for the process during a meeting with the emir of Qatar, stating that the deal with Iran would move to a second stage that he expected to be easier. Both the United States and Iran have conducted strikes since the temporary ceasefire announced in early April, even as that ceasefire has been described by leaders as remaining in effect. The MOU provisions on the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions differ from some earlier public statements by Trump on desired outcomes.

Republican members of Congress offered varied assessments of the MOU. Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana described it as a significant foreign policy error. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana expressed doubt that Iran would relinquish nuclear capabilities. Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, after speaking with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, said the MOU would benefit the United States by allowing the Strait of Hormuz to reopen and halting hostilities with Iran.

Public polling has shown declining approval for Trump’s handling of the conflict, coinciding with higher gasoline prices ahead of November midterm elections. The 14-point MOU is positioned as a framework for a broader agreement, though details of further negotiations remain to be determined.