US-Iranian talks could last through the night Media

In a significant diplomatic development, the United States has officially released the text of an agreement signed with Iran, which had previously been leaked to the media. The document, known as the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran," outlines terms aimed at halting hostilities and initiating further negotiations. This revelation comes after several days of intense discussions and speculation surrounding the nature of the deal. According to reports from American media outlets such as CNN and ABC News, the memorandum was disclosed on the evening of June 17 by a senior official within the Trump administration. While the full text of the agreement has yet to be published on official government websites, the transcript of the document was read aloud during the announcement.

The memorandum contains 14 points and addresses a range of issues related to regional stability and international relations. It emphasizes the cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and commits both parties to refrain from launching operations against each other and to avoid threats. A final agreement on the complete cessation of hostilities is expected to be formalized in the coming months. Both nations have pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to avoid interference in one another’s internal affairs. The sides also agree to continue negotiations and aim to reach a final agreement within 60 days, with the possibility of extending this period by mutual consent.

Under the terms of the memorandum, the United States promises to lift its maritime blockade against Iran immediately upon signing the document and to fully remove it within 30 days. Additionally, the U.S. intends to withdraw forces from Iranian borders within 30 days following the final agreement. In return, Iran commits to ensuring the free passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without blockades for a period of 60 days, acknowledging that approximately 30 days will be required to address technical and military obstacles and demining efforts.

The United States and its regional partners are tasked with developing a plan worth at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran, with the mechanism for this support to be finalized as part of the final agreement. All sanctions imposed on Iran by the U.S., including those under UN Security Council resolutions, are set to be lifted. Point eight specifically obliges Iran not to develop nuclear weapons and to resolve the issue of existing enriched uranium under a mechanism to be agreed upon, monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Until the final agreement is reached, both sides commit to maintaining the current status quo: Iran will maintain its current nuclear program status, while the U.S. will refrain from imposing new sanctions or deploying additional forces in the region. From the time of the memorandum's signing until the official lifting of sanctions, the U.S. will provide exemptions for the export of Iranian oil and petroleum products and related services, including banking transactions, insurance, and transportation. After implementing the memorandum, the U.S. pledges to unfreeze Iran's funds and assets, with specific procedures to be agreed upon during subsequent negotiations.

The memorandum includes provisions for the establishment of an enforcement mechanism to monitor compliance with the agreement and the implementation of conditions in future final agreements. The final agreement is expected to be codified through a binding resolution by the UN Security Council. These detailed commitments reflect the complex and multifaceted nature of the negotiations, highlighting the delicate balance sought between immediate de-escalation and long-term strategic considerations.

The talks between the delegations of the United States and Iran in Switzerland were anticipated to last throughout the night, according to reports from Associated Press citing sources and Iranian media. The negotiations began intensely on Sunday, amid tensions sparked by President Donald Trump's warnings and Iran's response. The situation was complicated by social media posts and media coverage, which challenged the efforts of U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and mediators Pakistan and Qatar to keep Iran engaged in talks addressing critical issues such as Iran's nuclear program, the Strait of Hormuz, and the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian assets.

Iran particularly wanted to discuss the situation in Lebanon, where Israeli forces are conducting operations against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, as the agreement stipulates the cessation of hostilities on all fronts. Iranian state media reported that the negotiations entered a "difficult phase" and were interrupted after the publication of an offensive statement by the U.S. president. Following this, the Iranian delegation met with Qatari mediators and left the negotiation site.

Vice President Pence and U.S. negotiators, including Steve Witko and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, held meetings with Kaliba and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, lasting about 80 minutes, according to Iranian media. It remained unclear when they could meet again. A high-ranking American diplomat participating in the negotiations stated that participants prepared to work through the night, emphasizing the intensity of the discussions. Topics included clarifying what Iran meant by recent statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz, mechanisms to ensure openness of the strait and adherence to a ceasefire in southern Lebanon, and intensive discussions on the nuclear issue.

Prior to these developments, Vice President Pence announced that significant progress had been made in the negotiations in Switzerland over the past hours. It is recalled that the first round of technical talks on the final peace agreement was scheduled for Friday but was canceled at the last minute, possibly due to renewed clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah based in Lebanese territory. On June 17, the United States and Iran distantly signed a memorandum concerning the cessation of war and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, serving as the foundation for working out the details of a comprehensive agreement to secure a ceasefire over the next 60 days.

The ongoing negotiations highlight the fragile nature of the relationship between the two countries, marked by periodic escalations and de-escalations. President Trump's recent threats have added layers of complexity, with his comments reportedly causing Iranian officials to reconsider their participation in the talks. Despite these challenges, both sides remain committed to finding a resolution that addresses their respective concerns and contributes to regional stability. As the process continues, the world watches closely to see how these developments might shape the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.