Iran and US Sign 14-Point Agreement to End Conflict, Implementation Uncertain

Iran and the United States have formally agreed to a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at ending nearly four months of hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran. The agreement, electronically signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, took effect immediately, according to Pakistani officials and statements from both governments. The deal includes commitments to cease military operations on all fronts, prevent Iran from developing or acquiring nuclear weapons, and fully reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

While the accord is being welcomed as a potential breakthrough, questions remain about its implementation. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, confirmed that Tehran and Washington have finalized and signed the memorandum, paving the way for negotiations on a final deal within 60 days. However, Baghaei warned that Iran will monitor US compliance ‘without any leniency’ and will not fulfill its commitments if the US fails to meet its obligations. He reiterated that Iran’s missile program is not open for negotiation.

In the United States, President Trump faces criticism from within his own party. Prominent Republicans, including former Vice President Mike Pence, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, and Senator Bill Cassidy, have denounced the interim agreement. Critics argue that the deal does not sufficiently curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and object to a proposed $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. Some Republicans have compared the agreement to former President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear deal, from which Trump withdrew during his first term.

Experts anticipate that nuclear talks between the US and Iran will extend beyond the 60-day timeline. Kenneth Katzman, a senior fellow at the Soufan Center, described the negotiations as ‘very detailed’ and ‘very exhaustive,’ noting that issues such as uranium enrichment, stockpiles of highly enriched uranium, and verification measures will require extensive technical work.

In the region, the situation remains volatile. Rami Khouri, a distinguished fellow at the American University of Beirut, said a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon is unlikely in the near term and that broader regional issues will still need to be addressed. Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reported from southern Lebanon that Israeli attacks continue and that many residents are concerned whether Israel will respect the ceasefire. Large areas of southern Lebanon remain inaccessible to civilians after months of fighting and destruction.