Arabic version: ترامب يوقع اتفاقية جديدة مع إيران لمعالجة المخاوف النووية

President Donald Trump has formally signed a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran to end the conflict that began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched air strikes against Tehran and across the country. The agreement lays the groundwork for future discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear weapons program, though it has faced criticism for its contents and omissions.

According to BBC News, the MoU’s language mirrors aspects of the previous Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump scrapped in 2018. The new agreement asserts that Iran will not procure or develop nuclear weapons, but lacks detailed provisions on nuclear enrichment.

While the JCPOA imposed specific limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities, the current MoU serves as a framework for 60 days of negotiations rather than a conclusive agreement. US officials have indicated that the deal aims to establish a minimum standard for Iran’s enriched stockpile, although the MoU does not explicitly mention the destruction of existing nuclear materials.

In addition to nuclear issues, the MoU addresses economic sanctions, stating that the US will terminate all types of sanctions against Iran in an agreed-upon schedule. This includes immediate waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil and other products, significantly improving Iran’s economic position following years of stringent sanctions.

The MoU also outlines plans for the US to “fully end” its naval blockade of Iran “within 30 days”, allowing for safer passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for a limited time. The agreement seeks to facilitate dialogue on future maritime administration in the region, reflecting an important shift in the relationship between the two nations.