President Donald Trump recently signed a 14‑point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Iranian government to end the hostilities that began on 28 February 2026. The deal is meant to be a framework for further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and a set of steps to lift economic sanctions.
Unlike the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the MoU offers no specific limits on how much nuclear material Iran can hold, nor does it stipulate a schedule for destroying the existing 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60 %. The agreement merely states that Iran “reaffirms it will not pursue nuclear weapons” and that the parties will discuss enrichment and a future mechanism for the disposition of the stockpile, leaving the practical details to later talks.
Financially, the U.S. will terminate all sanctions and provide an estimated $300 billion fund for Iran’s reconstruction and development, while immediately allowing the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and related services. This marks a radical shift from the earlier JCPOA, where sanctions were a central element of the agreement and no explicit financial aid was promised.
The MoU also addresses maritime security. It promises a full end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iran within 30 days and gives Iran 60‑days to arrange safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz, after which it must negotiate with Oman over future maritime administration. There is no clause preventing Iran from charging fees for using the strait, a potential boost to its regional influence.
In comparison, the JCPOA made no mention of the Strait of Hormuz and focused solely on nuclear limits. The new MoU is therefore a starting point with broad commitments rather than a detailed, enforceable agreement. Its real impact will become clear only after the parties work out the missing details, a process that might take months or even years as the geopolitical context remains fluid.
Credit: BBC
