0

What's in the US-Iran agreement? 1 hour ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Bernd Debusmann Jr White House reporter Getty Images President Trump believes that the deal could be signed as early as 18 June. US officials have unveiled the full text of the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding to extend the ceasefire, open the Strait of Hormuz and, they hope, end the conflict between the two countries nearly four months after it began. The Trump administration has described the 14-point agreement as "performance-based", with Iran benefitting only if it complies with its commitments. Speaking at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains in France, President Donald Trump said that the deal will be formally signed "shortly" - potentially as soon as Thursday. Here's what we know about the key points of the agreement. Point 1: An end to conflict 'on all fronts' The first paragraph of the agreement notes that the US, Iran and allies will declare an "immediate and permanent" termination of military operations on "all fronts" - including Lebanon. From the US perspective, Trump has been growing increasingly concerned that Israeli military operations against Hezbollah could upend the agreement with Iran. Tehran, for its part, has repeatedly said it expected Lebanon to be covered by the truce. Any continuation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon would constitute a "violation of the understanding" and "necessary measures will be taken", a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday. The agreement notes that "from now on" neither side will initiate military operations or threaten each other, and ensure "the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Lebanon. The final agreement will lead to the permanent "termination" of the conflict, the document says. It is unclear how Israel will react to this point. Point 2: Respect for 'internal affairs' The text of the document - read verbatim to reporters in a call with US officials - notes that the US and Iran will "respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity" and refrain from interfering in each side's internal affairs. This will likely be received negatively by Iranian dissident groups. Earlier this year, Trump promised Iranian protesters that "help is on the way" during anti-government demonstrations that swept across Iranian cities. Point 3: An extendable 60-day timeline According to the third point in the document, the US and Iran will commit to negotiating and achieving a final deal in a "maximum" of 60 days, although that timeline could be extended with mutual consent. That 60-day countdown is likely to begin when leaders of the two countries officially sign the MoU in a ceremony planned to take place in Geneva later this week. "So far, our plans for the Geneva meeting have not changed," Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said. "Regarding the signing of the memorandum of understanding, one idea is that it be done by the presidents of the two co
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.

No comments yet.