U.S. and Iran Reach Peace Memorandum of Understanding After Over 100 Days of Conflict

More than 100 days after the conflict between the United States and Iran erupted on February 28, the two countries have reached a peace memorandum of understanding (MoU), according to Chinese state media Xinhua. The agreement marks a tentative end to one of the most serious crises in the Middle East in years, which involved Israel, Hezbollah, and other regional actors.

The conflict began with joint U.S.-Israeli military strikes against Iran that killed Iran's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on U.S. military bases and targets in Israel. In the ensuing weeks, Iran closed the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments, while Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel from Lebanon, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground incursion into southern Lebanon.

Key flashpoints included attacks on Iran's nuclear program and energy infrastructure. In March, the U.S. bombed Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub and, along with Israel, struck the Natanz uranium enrichment facility. Iran shot down a U.S. F-15E fighter jet in April, leading to a large-scale search-and-rescue operation. After a short-lived two-week ceasefire in April, senior U.S. and Iranian officials held talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, but failed to reach an agreement. However, a separate 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel was brokered by the U.S. in mid-April.

The crisis also saw a change in Iranian leadership, with Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Ali Khamenei, being selected as Iran's new supreme leader. The conflict resulted in significant casualties and material losses, though exact figures remain unclear. The peace MoU is expected to outline steps for de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though full details have not been released.