Key takeaways from US-Iran MoU

strait transit begins

The US will begin lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran will restore commercial traffic through the Hormuz to pre-war levels. The deal bars tolls on commercial shipping for 60 days, though a longer-term arran­gement for managing the strait remains unresolved.

N-question remains

Iran has again committed not to build a nuclear weapon. The MoU leaves key questions unresolved, including the future of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Those issues are to be negotiated during the 60-day truce.

Sanctions relief 

The US will permit exports of Iranian crude and could make available restricted Iranian funds if Tehran complies with the deal. The MoU also envisages the eventual lifting of sanctions and the creation of a $300bn reconstruction acco­u­nt backed by regional partners.

Military de-escalation

The pact calls for an immediate halt to military operations and requires Israel to end its campaign in Lebanon. The US would cut its military buildup if a final deal is reached.

uncertainty prevails

The MoU serves as a 60-day framework for negotiations rather than a final settlement. Issues—nuclear restrictions, sanctions and future control of the strait—remain to be settled, leaving uncertainty over whether a permanent deal can be reached.