Iran to Sell Oil Immediately After Signing; Greater Benefits Upon Nuclear Deal

While the U.S. Donald Trump administration has not clearly disclosed the details of the peace memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran, the economic benefits to be granted to Iran at each stage of the agreement are taking shape through U.S. media reports.

According to reports from Reuters, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ), and Axios on June 16 (local time), Iran is expected to be able to freely export and sell oil immediately after signing the peace MOU with the United States on June 19.

A Trump administration official told Axios that the agreement includes temporary sanctions waivers allowing Iran to sell oil while follow-up negotiations between the two countries continue.

The WSJ also reported, citing sources, that immediately after the formal signing of the MOU, the U.S. plans to waive existing sanctions to allow Iran to export crude oil and petroleum products.

The waivers are reportedly set to cover related services such as financial settlements, maritime shipping, and insurance associated with oil sales.

If the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran is lifted and sanctions related to oil sales are also eased, Iran is expected to reap significant economic benefits by expanding its crude oil exports.

If a final nuclear deal is reached and implemented following 60 days of follow-up negotiations after the signing of the MOU, Iran is expected to enjoy benefits such as broader sanctions relief, the unfreezing of assets, and a reconstruction fund worth $300 billion (approximately 454 trillion won).

Based on the contents of the agreement obtained through sources, Axios reported that the MOU specifies that if a final nuclear deal is reached, the U.S. will lift all sanctions against Iran according to an agreed schedule.

Reuters, citing sources, reported that the MOU also includes a plan for the U.S. and Iran to establish a private fund worth $300 billion (approximately 454 trillion won) for Iran's reconstruction after the final nuclear deal.

The source stated that this fund is a "private investment vehicle" rather than a conventional reconstruction or reparation program, and will not include any U.S. government funds or subsidies.

The source also mentioned that companies from the U.S., Asia, the Middle East, South America, and Africa have already agreed to raise more than $150 billion.

While mentioning companies from South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and the U.S. as those that have pledged to contribute, the source did not disclose the full list.

The source explained, "The fund will only be established after the final agreement is signed," adding, "Over the next 60 days, fund managers will work with Iran and investors to outline the scope and detailed plans of the projects."

The source added that the investment areas for these companies span energy, logistics, manufacturing, and transportation.

However, the U.S. is making it clear that the easing of sanctions against Iran is a "performance-based reward."

This means that Iran must comply with the terms of the agreement, such as abandoning nuclear weapons, disposing of enriched uranium, and guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, to receive the benefits specified in the MOU.

In an interview with Fox News on June 16, Vice President JD Vance emphasized, "If Iran does not behave properly, they will not enjoy any benefits under this deal."

While Iran claims that its frozen assets will also be unfrozen immediately upon signing the MOU, the U.S. denies this.

The U.S. maintains the position that the unfreezing of assets and further sanctions relief are measures provided in exchange for the finalization and implementation of the future nuclear deal, rather than the signing of the MOU itself.

Nevertheless, Axios reported that the text of the MOU itself leaves room for interpretation.

A source familiar with the contents of the MOU said it includes a provision stating that "(frozen funds) will be fully accessible immediately upon the implementation of this MOU."

Consequently, analysts suggest that there remains room for the U.S. and Iran to offer differing interpretations of what "implementation of the MOU" means.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.