[90815] Historic agreement between the US and Iran: Washington and Tehran sign a memorandum of understanding

The Middle East on the verge of a new era: Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran

In a dramatic move that has shaken the international system, US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) on June 18, 2026, aimed at ending the fighting between the two countries. The ceremony took place digitally, with Turkish agency Sputnik reporting that Trump's signature was executed during a gala dinner at the Palace of Versailles with French President Emmanuel Macron.

US Vice President J.D. Vance clarified that the memorandum of understanding becomes effective from the date of signing, noting that "the 60 days of negotiations have begun." According to him, if Iran complies with the terms and changes its behavior, it is a "win-win deal," but he emphasized: "The US will not pay Iran a single cent" without full compliance with the obligations.

In Tehran, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei noted that "in principle I had a different opinion," but granted approval for the move due to the President's commitments to defend the "rights of the Iranian nation." Conversely, officials in the American administration, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, made it clear that if Iran does not comply with the terms, "the US is prepared to reactivate the military option." CENTCOM has already announced the lifting of the naval blockade on Iranian ports as part of the agreement.

In Israel, the move was received with deep concern. Israeli media outlets such as Ma'ariv report that defense echelons fear this "bad agreement" will lead to delays in arms shipments and even a de facto military embargo. Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and others issued sharp criticism, leading Vance to respond forcefully: "If I were in the Israeli government, I would not attack the only strong ally I have left in the world" according to news sources on Telegram.

Reports from the field indicate ongoing instability, with the gdh agency reporting continued IDF strikes in Lebanon using white phosphorus in Nabatieh, which raises questions regarding the extent of the agreement's immediate influence on the Lebanese arena, which analyst Mani Mahravi calls a "test zone" for the credibility of Western promises.