US Unveils 14-Point Memorandum on Ceasefire with Iran

According to Al Jazeera, a senior US official has revealed details of a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the war between the US and Israel with Iran. The document is expected to be signed by both parties in a ceremony on Friday. Neither the US nor Iran has released an official copy of the agreement, and Iranian officials have not confirmed the content put forward by the US side.

The US official stated that the MOU would halt hostilities on all fronts in Lebanon, lift the US naval blockade, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Under the initial agreement, a 60-day negotiation period would commence on Iran's nuclear program, future management of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting US sanctions, releasing Iranian assets, and a US-backed $300 billion reconstruction plan. The US would also immediately grant sanctions waivers to Iran's fossil fuel industry.

Below are the detailed 14 points of the memorandum as described by the US official:

Point 1: The US, Iran, and their allies in the current conflict declare an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, committing not to initiate war or military action against each other while respecting Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Point 2: The US and Iran commit to respecting each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, with no interference in internal affairs.

Point 3: Both parties commit to negotiating and reaching a final agreement within a maximum of 60 days, extendable by mutual consent.

Point 4: Immediately after signing the MOU, the US will begin lifting the naval blockade and all obstacles to Iran, completing the process within 30 days. During this period, shipping traffic will be restored to pre-war levels. The US also commits to withdrawing forces from areas near Iran within 30 days of the final agreement.

Point 5: Iran will arrange to ensure the safety of commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf and Sea of Oman for 60 days without imposing fees. Traffic will resume immediately, with technical, military, and mine-clearance barriers removed by Iran within 30 days. Iran will engage in dialogue with Oman to determine future management of the Strait of Hormuz.

Point 6: The US commits, together with regional partners, to develop a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion. The implementation mechanism will be finalized within 60 days.

Point 7: The US commits to ending all sanctions against Iran, including UN Security Council and IAEA resolutions as well as unilateral US sanctions, according to a schedule agreed upon in the final agreement.

Point 8: Iran reaffirms that it will not manufacture or develop nuclear weapons. Both parties will address the disposal of enriched uranium materials through a mutually agreed mechanism, with the minimum method being on-site dilution under IAEA supervision.

Point 9: While awaiting the final agreement, both parties will maintain the status quo. Iran will preserve its nuclear program, the US will impose no new sanctions and deploy no additional forces in the region.

Point 10: The US will grant waivers for Iran's export of crude oil, petroleum products, and related services immediately after signing the MOU.

Point 11: The US commits to releasing Iran's frozen funds and assets, making them available to any beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of Iran.

Point 12: Both parties agree to establish a monitoring mechanism for implementing the MOU and ensuring compliance with the future final agreement.

Point 13: After signing the MOU and commencing implementation of Points 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11, both parties will begin negotiations on the final agreement.

Point 14: The final agreement will be adopted through a binding UN Security Council resolution.

The US official emphasized that the initial agreement has been signed electronically, and both parties can still withdraw before the formal signing ceremony on Friday.