U.S. and Iran agree to immediate ceasefire and Hormuz reopening, paving way for 60-day final deal
A draft memorandum of understanding, read to reporters by a senior White House official, outlines the immediate cessation of hostilities, the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, and a 60-day negotiation period for a final accord.
A draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, disclosed by a senior U.S. official on Wednesday, details an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. The 14-point text, published by multiple outlets, sets the terms for lifting the U.S. naval blockade and restoring commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while deferring the most contentious issues such as winding down Iran’s nuclear program to a final agreement to be negotiated within 60 days.
Ceasefire and territorial assurances
Both sides declare an immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and pledge to refrain from any threat or use of force. The MOU text, designated by the New York Times as the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” commits each party to respect the other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war.
immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon
Blockade lift and safe passage
The United States will begin removing its naval blockade and all impediments against Iran immediately upon signing. The blockade must be fully terminated within 30 days, with vessel traffic proportional to prewar volumes restored by Iran. In parallel, Iran will use its best efforts to ensure safe, cost-free passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for the first 60 days, beginning immediately. Full restoration of traffic, including technical and military obstacle removal and demining by Iran, is to be completed within 30 days after signing.
The United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade … and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days.
Negotiation timeline and reconstruction
The parties commit to negotiating and achieving a final deal within a maximum of 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. The U.S. further undertakes, with regional partners, to develop a comprehensive recovery and economic development plan for Iran; El País reports a minimum value of $300 billion cited in the document. Once the final deal is struck, U.S. forces must withdraw from the proximity of Iran within 30 additional days.
- MOU signed in Switzerland; blockade removal begins; commercial shipping resumes immediately.
- Deadline for the U.S. to fully lift the naval blockade and restore vessel traffic to prewar levels.
- 60-day negotiation period ends; free safe passage period expires; final deal to be achieved.
- 30 days after final deal signing, U.S. forces must withdraw from the proximity of Iran.
Signing ceremony ahead
The memorandum is to be signed this Friday in Switzerland, and President Donald Trump has indicated he might attend the ceremony in person, according to El País. The draft document itself was read aloud on a conference call with reporters by a senior White House official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
