'Hormuz to Open Immediately Upon Signing': What Will Be in the US-Iran MOU?

As U.S. President Donald Trump announced that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war with Iran could be signed as early as this weekend, attention is focused on what the agreement will entail.

Based on remarks made by Trump during a Q&A session with reporters at a White House event on Thursday, June 11 (local time), he claims that the signing of the MOU between the U.S. and Iran could take place in Europe as early as this weekend.

Trump also mentioned that the signing could potentially take place this Saturday, June 13.

Upon signing, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened immediately.

When asked if the U.S. military's naval blockade of Iran would also be lifted immediately, Trump replied, "Yes."

Regarding Iran's possession of nuclear weapons, the MOU is expected to include principled and declaratory language.

Detailed nuclear negotiations regarding the disposal of Iran's highly enriched uranium stockpile, the dismantling of nuclear facilities, and whether to maintain its enrichment program are expected to take place after the MOU is signed.

Trump emphasized, "Iran will not have nuclear weapons.

They agreed to that," he said, adding, "Iran will not have, buy, or develop nuclear weapons in any form."

Trump avoided mentioning the timeframe for nuclear negotiations with Iran following the MOU.

It has been reported that the U.S. and Iran are discussing a "60-day" period for nuclear negotiations after the signing of the MOU.

When asked about the deadline, Trump said the nuclear negotiations would proceed quite quickly, but added, "I don't want to talk about a deadline.

If I give a deadline, they'll say (later), 'Oh, he missed the deadline,' won't they?" he said.

Trump described it as a "very strong and detailed MOU," while also admitting it is "somewhat conceptual."

Typically, an MOU outlines the essence, framework, and direction of what will be included in a final agreement in anticipation of a future settlement of key issues, and because it is not legally binding, it sometimes lacks specificity.

Trump did not mention the release of frozen assets demanded by Iran.

A military advisor to Iran's supreme leader recently made a public demand in an interview with CNN for the release of $24 billion (about 38 trillion won) out of $100 billion (152 trillion won) in frozen assets first.

If the differences between the U.S. and Iran have narrowed enough to sign an MOU as early as this weekend, it is possible that there was a conciliatory measure by the U.S. regarding these frozen assets.

Having criticized the Barack Obama administration for handing over cash to Iran, Trump was reportedly in favor of releasing the funds in phases for the purchase of humanitarian goods.

Trump stated that if an MOU signing ceremony takes place, Vice President JD Vance, his eldest son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will attend.

He said he would not be attending.

Trump, whose birthday is Sunday, June 14, plans to watch a UFC fight at the White House and then depart for France to attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit.

Observers say it remains to be seen whether the final details of the MOU will be ironed out within a few days to be signed as early as this weekend, as Trump has claimed.

For now, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has stated that nothing has been finalized.

However, some Iranian media outlets have published reports suggesting a high likelihood of an agreement.

Israel, which entered the war alongside the U.S., has stated that it will not participate in the MOU.

However, given that Trump listed Israel on Truth Social as one of the parties that approved the discussions between the U.S. and Iran, attention is focused on whether Israel, while excluded as a signing party, will be involved as a "de facto" party affected by the MOU, a supporter, or a guarantor of its implementation.

CNN reported that a breakthrough in the peace talks between the U.S. and Iran was made after a Qatari mediation team visited Tehran, Iran, the previous day and continued discussions until the early hours of Thursday.

The U.S. online outlet Axios also reported that Qatar and Iran, through their talks, were deemed to have reached an agreement acceptable to the U.S.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.