US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian have electronically signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the nearly four-month conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran. According to Pakistani officials and statements from both sides, the agreement has taken effect. The memorandum includes commitments to cease military operations on all fronts, prevent Iran from developing or possessing nuclear weapons, and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz – a critical global shipping route.
The 14-point deal has been hailed as a potential breakthrough, but significant questions remain about its implementation. The next negotiation phase will extend 60 days to reach a final accord.
In Iran: Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed the agreement was finalized and signed electronically, paving the way for negotiations on a final deal within the next 60 days. He also warned that Tehran will closely monitor US compliance with the agreement “without any leniency” and will not fulfill its commitments if the US fails to meet its obligations. Baghaei emphasized that Iran’s missile program is not a matter for negotiation.
Experts, including Kenneth Katzman, senior fellow at the Soufan Center, suggest that US-Iran nuclear talks could extend beyond 60 days because issues such as uranium enrichment, stocks of highly enriched uranium, verification measures, and inspections require meticulous work by technical experts.
In the US: President Trump’s deal is facing criticism from prominent Republican figures, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, and Senator Bill Cassidy. They argue the agreement is insufficient to curb Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and oppose the US commitment to support a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. Some compare this deal to the 2015 nuclear accord under President Barack Obama, which Trump withdrew from during his first term.
In Lebanon: Rami Khouri, distinguished fellow at the American University of Beirut, said an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon is unlikely in the near future. He noted that US-Iran talks could take four to five months to conclude and that broader regional issues remain to be addressed. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from southern Lebanon, observed that Israeli attacks continue, many residents worry about whether Israel will respect any ceasefire, and large areas remain inaccessible to civilians after months of fighting. Security sources believe Israel may still seek to expand control over strategic zones along the border.
